The Garden City News (3/7/25)

GCPD arrests 4 for burglaries

Garden City Police have arrested four men for burglaries that occurred in December 2024 in Garden City.

According to detectives, on December 10th at 5:30 p.m. Sergio Rodriguez-Lopez, 36, of Flushing, along with accomplices, entered a Brook Street residence through a rear sliding door. Police say the burglars took assorted jewelry and $1,000 in U.S. currency. They were then were seen in a 2018 BMW X5 with New Jersey license plates, police say. This vehicle was also captured on Garden City license plate readers.

In a second incident December 18th at 10:14 p.m., police say that Sergio Rodriguez-Lopez, Adolfo MontesGomez, 40, of  Garden City and at least one other accomplice broke the rear sliding door of a Pine Street residence and attempted to gain entry and remove items. No proceeds were reported missing. Police say the house alarm sounded and suspects left the scene in a 2020 BMW X1 and a 2018 BMW X5. The license plates were also captured on Garden City plate readers.

Police say that during a third incident on December 20th at 11:23 p.m. Sergio Rodriguez-Lopez, Adolfo Montes-Gomez, Brandon Montano, 29, of Avenue, Flushing, Stephen Montenegro, 42, of Jamestown, New York and one additional suspect forced open a second-floor rear window of a Pine Street residence. Police said they then attempt to gain entry and remove property. According to police, they were

See page 54

S HOOTING S TAR

Students and teachers from all of Garden City’s schools, administrators and community members came to support the Challengers. The game was played in memory of Bobby Menges and supports the I’m Not Done Yet Foundation which works to make sure cancer patients and survivors live their lives the way they deserve. See pages 58-59.

Hearings on outdoor dining, pool regulations

BY RIKKI MASSAND

The Village Board of Trustees planned to host two public hearings at their meeting on Thursday, March 6 (which took place after the Garden City News weekly deadline).

Following adjustments made for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, Garden City’s outdoor dining regulations have come under scrutiny. Several restaurant owners have expressed concerns about restrictions that could limit customer traffic and reduce available seating, particularly along Seventh Street sidewalks.

To address these issues, the Board considered Local Law No. 2 of 2025, which would repeal the existing outdoor dining law and replace it with a new Chapter 148 of the Village Code. The proposed law introduces a detailed permitting process managed by the Building Department, including a permit fee to be determined by the Board of Trustees.

Under the new law, applications for outdoor dining permits must include a survey of the property, including adjacent village-owned spaces such as sidewalks and curbside trees. Applicants must also submit a ¼-inch scaled plan of the sidewalk area, detailing furniture placement, a fully dimensioned seating plan, and entrance and exit locations.

Permits would be issued annually beginning April 1 and must be renewed each year. Any modifications to an outdoor dining area during the dining season would require a new application.

The proposed law outlines the following objectives:

- Ensuring adequate sidewalk space for pedestrians.

- Preserving the character of neighborhoods where outdoor dining is permitted.

- Protecting adjacent properties.

- Promoting responsible land use.

Hours, music, lighting, maintenance

The proposed hours for outdoor dining are 6:30 a.m.

See page 55

St. Paul’s Town Hall

This Saturday, March 8th at 1 p.m., the Garden City Board of Trustees will hold a Town Hall style meeting at the Senior Center to discuss the upcoming survey on St. Paul’s. The session will also be available on Zoom (link available on the village website www.gardencity. net under the “Upcoming Events” section).

This session will be a good time for residents to get their questions answered about the survey, as well as provide feedback to the board and BCI, the consulting group that is helping to design the survey.

There have been many comments in these pages and online from people who feel that the demolition and facade options have been given short shrift. We hope the board and BCI takes

these opposing viewpoints seriously. It appears to be a significant number of people who feel this way.

We’d also like to renew our call from last week that the board commit to allowing a “mandatory referendum” on the bonds that will fund the project, once a project has been finalized. This would give voters a last chance to approve or disapprove before the village is committed to a substantial amount of new debt.

In her column last week Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan said she has suggested this to the other members of the board, and we hope they agree.

Whatever happens to St. Paul’s, it should be with the approval of the majority of the voters.

Garden City’s Lawsuit

To the Editor:

The Article 78 lawsuit that our Village is bringing against Nassau County is extremely important, and I urge you to stay tuned in and to follow it. Our Board of Trustees is to be commended for launching this effort!

Last week this newspaper reported that 3 judges have recused themselves from the case. After the paper went to press, the Hon. Gregg Roth, a Nassau County Supreme Court Judge, was assigned to hear the case.

This lawsuit seeks to overturn the 42 year “operating lease” that was given to Las Vegas Sands by our County Legislature and County Executive last August. This lease gives an outside corporation 42 years of “site control” over taxpayer owned land. The casino company is obligated to keep the coliseum open for only 2 years. If this was a simple operating lease, why did our county government give such a long term?

Hopefully, the State of New York will not send one of the three casino licenses here. If that is indeed what happens, we the people should decide how property that we own is developed, and not an outside corporation. A copy of the lease is available on the Nassau county website at: www.nassaucountyny.gov/ DocumentCenter/View/45669/173-24AMENDMENT-REDACTED?bidId= Monica Kiely

Let’s just Say No

To the Editor:

I saw the announcement that Nassau County Executive Bruce (“Mr. Sands Casino”) Blakeman has commenced his campaign for reelection. This is the elected representative who appears to have spearheaded the Gawd-awful casino nightmare that has descended upon our community. Folks, let’s continue to adamantly say No to the Casino, and recognize that in the November general elections it would be a welcomed sight to see Blakeman’s political butt be punted to the curb in

perpetuity.

John T. Harris

Vote Harrington and Catalano

To the Editor:

I am writing this letter to the Editor to highlight two tireless volunteers in our great Village that are running in the upcoming General Village Election for Trustee: Michele Harrington and Richard Catalano.

Both Michele and Rich have led by example and have worked for the people in the Inc Village of Garden City in many capacities during their residence here. Michele is up for re- election as Village Trustee. Rich is working on being elected to this position for the first time.

I met both Michele and Rich through the Estates Property Owners Association. By upholding the tradition of the Community Agreement, both Michele and Rich have engaged countless residents by encouraging them to come to village meetings and get involved in our local community.

Before 2020, although I have spent most of my adult life living in Garden City, I had not voted in any village elections. In the fall of 2020 when my four children fell victim to the absurd covid protocols, I first got involved by attending the Garden City School Board meetings. Soon after, like minded parents worked together and Garden City Parents United was born. My advocacy in this group created opportunities to become more involved in the Village and most specifically, the Estates Property Owners Association where I live.

Michele and Rich invited me to become a member of the nominating committee, and I have stayed engaged. Michele and Rich are truly admirable in their devotion to our village and their welcoming of independent ideas.

Most recently, Rich has been an active Spokesperson for the Say No to the Casino group, and of course Michele has been helping the Board of Trustees gain notable traction on important See page 50

EAB speaker discusses LI water supply study

SUBMITTED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY BOARD

At the February 12th meeting of the Garden City Environmental Advisory Board, Sarah Meyland, former director of the Center for Water Resources Management at NYIT and water resources management expert, gave a presentation that summarized the results of phase I of the study of LI aquifers that is being conducted jointly by the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the New York State Department of Conservation (NYS DEC).  Phase I of the study covered Brooklyn, Queens and Nassau Counties.  Phase II covers Suffolk County and is still in progress.  Results from Phase II will be reported some time in the next couple of years.

Much attention has been paid in recent years to the quality of water on Long Island.  This study focused on the quantity of water.

Goals of the study were to

• Update scientific knowledge of the aquifer system of Long Island, which was 40 years out of date.

• Document how the system has changed from 1900 to 2019.

• Create a state-of-the-art computerized groundwater model.

• Identify the location of the

This figure is taken from the USGS report.

boundary between the saltwater and the freshwater in the aquifers around Long Island.

For this study, USGS gathered all historical well data that could be located and drilled some new wells in areas where data were lacking.

The presentation began with the definition of an aquifer.  An aquifer is a geologic formation that can store water, transmit water and yield water in useable quantities.  It must be able to do all

3 things to be an aquifer. One result was the discovery of hydrogeologic units that had not been previously identified. Before this study, it was thought that Long Island’s aquifer system consisted of 6 units: the Upper Glacial Aquifer, Gardiners Clay, the Jameco Aquifer, the Magothy Aquifer, Raritan Clay and the Lloyd Aquifer.  A number of new geologic units were identified; the system is now defined by 14 hydrogeologic units.

Thousands of years ago, glaciers covered the northern portion of Long Island.  When the glaciers melted, they left debris behind which can be seen today in the northern portions of Long Island.  This debris forms the moraines which are the points of highest elevation on Long Island.  South of the moraines, we have an outwash plain. The elevation of the water table is not constant.  It is highest underneath the moraines, and decreases as one moves closer to the shoreline.  It is as high as 80 feet above sea level in portions of northeast Nassau County.   Water moves through the aquifer system both vertically and horizontally.  It moves downward vertically as the aquifers recharge.  It moves horizontally to the north on the northern side of the moraines and to the south on the southern side of the moraines.

From 1900 to 2019, public water suppliers were responsible for 88% of the water withdrawals from the aquifer system.  In Nassau County, about 90% of public water withdrawals come from the Magothy aquifer.  There are some wells in Nassau County that draw water from the Lloyd, which is lowest aquifer layer. Several shore communities such as Long Beach rely solely on the Lloyd

Continued on page 28

How Much Is My Home Worth?

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Scan the QR code and enter an address to get up to three estimates of your home’s value today.

Home Happens Here

Bedell Ave., Cathedral Gardens, Hempstead

House Saturday & Sunday March 8th & 9th • 12-2 pm

New to Market!

Stately four bedroom ,four bath Tudor home offering the perfect blend of classic charm and modern amenities. The expansive eat in kitchen flows seamlessly to an 18’ x 23’ family room with fireplace. formal living room with the second fireplace, a formal dining room with built ins, a sunporch, 3 session room and a full bath complete the first floor. Four large bedrooms, including primary suite with large bath and walk in closet and a second floor laundry.

The full finished basement contains a music room with recording booth. Brand new roof, gas heat, and large property and a two car garage.

Offered at $1,250,000

Dana Eaton Kate Crofton Denise Donlon Patricia Aprigliano Susan Bashian Andrea Bharucha Suzanne Blair

Breslin

Chmil

Albertson

Maribeth Quinn

Louisa Pironi Jill Palmeri Tony Leondis

Bill Eckel

Sharon Redmond

Anny Ko

Theanne Ricci

St. Paul’s Town Hall Meeting

All residents are invited to attend the second Town Hall meeting concerning the St. Paul’s building survey on Saturday, March 8, at 1 p.m. at the Senior Center. The session will also be available via Zoom. You can join from your PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https:// us02web.zoom.us/j/84730594639?pwd=JOHY1iEn2UgEtG6hUP13784NjXAN3P.1

Passcode: HJPt75

The meeting will provide detailed background information on the Board’s work with BCI on the St. Paul’s building survey, including descriptions of the various options for the Main Building,

“ballpark costs” and initial estimates of the impact on residents Village taxes of the options presented. Additionally, the presentation will tie in the results of last spring’s Recreational Survey and how it shaped the outline of some of the activities and programs which are highlighted in a handful of the survey questions. This meeting is a terrific opportunity for all residents to learn more and ask questions. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the conversation about the future of St. Paul’s. Your input and engagement are invaluable in shaping the decisions that will affect our Village.

AAA Defensive Driving Course

The Knights of Columbus #15809 at St Joseph’s Church in Garden City is pleased to offer the community the AAA Driver Defensive Driving Course. The course will be held on Saturday April 5, 2025 - 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the St. Joseph’s Church, LL St Agnes Room, Garden City. Call for directions. Upon completion of this course, Participants are eligible for 10% off their motor vehicle insurance for three years and/or a reduction of points from their driver’s license. The fee for the course is $55 per person and advance registration is required. To register and for more information, please contact: Louie Malave (631-398-8922) or John Russo (516-384-4552)

205 Weyford Terrace Open House

Sat. & Sun. 3/8 & 3/9 12:30-2:30pm

Laura Giacini

Licensed RE Salesperson Mobile: 516-662-6038 lgiacini@coachrealtors.com

Please join me at my New Listing, 205 Weyford Terrace! Located in the highly sought after GC Estates, with a mid-block location, close proximity to parks, schools and railroads, this is a fabulous opportunity to make your own!

Welcome home to a thoughtfully designed 2013 Craftsman Colonial, an artful blend of modern functionality and timeless architecture. A welcoming bluestone portico entrance sets the tone for this wonderful home. The open concept first floor is bathed in natural light featuring 9’ high ceilings with an airy open floor plan, ideal for everyday living and entertaining. A huge open kitchen, complete with center island andspacious dining area, beautiful cabinetry and high-end appliances leads to a wonderful backyard, with more terrific entertaining space. Perfect for family gatherings and alfresco dining, as well as outdoor TV entertainment. Four large bedrooms, including a WOW primary suite, plus 2nd floor laundry awaits upstairs. Plus wonderful recreation space, 2 ½ beautiful baths and so much more. Come make your dreams a reality!

Offered at $2,199,000

Are you thinking of selling your home?

Let Jen Sullivan Guide you.

Whether you are downsizing, or searching for your dream home, allow Jen’s experience, passion, and results to work for you. Reach out any time. 516.361.7190

Jen Sullivan Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Founding Agent of Long Island Member of the Luxury Division jennifer.sullivan@compass.com M: 516.361.7190

Ask the candidates anything on March 12

The four Property Owners ’ Association will hold a special joint meeting on Wednesday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m. at the Senior Center located at 6 Golf Club Lane. All POA members are encouraged to attend and the meeting is open to all village residents.

The four candidates in the upcoming general village election will be available to answer any of your questionsTrustee Ed Finneran, who is running for mayor, Trustee Michele Beach Harrington, who is running for re-election and residents Rich Catalano and Yvonne Varano, who are seeking their

first terms on the Board of Trustees. This is a great opportunity to ask questions on village issues such as the upcoming survey on St. Paul’s, the status of the proposed casino, traffic safety and any other resident concerns.

The general village election will be held on Tuesday, March 18. Polls will be open from 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m. and will be held at the St. Paul’s Field House. Early mail and absentee ballot applications are available on the Village's website at https://www.gardencityny.net/261/Applications-Forms

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Garden City Real Estate Market Information

234 Wellington Road RECENT

REAL ESTATE SALES IN GARDEN CITY

The information about the homes and the photos were obtained through the Multiple Listing Services of Long Island. The homes presented were selected based solely on the fact that they were recently sold.

Mortgage Rates this week from www.nerdwallet.com

Date: 02/26/2025

Sold price: $2,700,000

5 bedrooms, 3 full bath, 2 half baths

Architectural Style: Colonial

Property size: .18 acres

Annual taxes: $16,362

MLS number: L3575933

The Seller’s Team: Matthew Minardi and Claudia Galvin, Daniel Gale Sothebys Realty

The Buyer’s Team: Matthew Minardi and Claudia Galvin, Daniel Gale Sothebys Realty

Long Island Sales Data From One Key MLS Nassau County Median Sale Price

This newly rebuilt center hall colonial offers a blend of luxurious finishes and cutting-edge technology, perfect for modern living. The home’s first floor features open concept living, expansive space with hardwood floors and built-in speakers throughout. A welcoming foyer entry leading to a bright, sun-drenched living room. The Family Room is highlighted by a Mendota gas fireplace and a wired 65-inch OLED TV. An Eat-in Kitchen showcasing an oversized leather quartzite island and countertops, Subzero fridge, Wolf appliances, and a double pantry. The Butler’s Pantry includes a wine fridge, and connects to a formal dining room. An accessible mudroom from the attached garage, featuring a powder room with radiant heat. The Second Floor offers a Master Suite with an oversized walk-in closet with custom cabinets and a generous bath with a separate shower and standalone tub. The room includes A/V wiring buried in the wall. Four additional bedrooms, each with double closets and custom shelves. Two full baths serve these rooms, including a Jack and Jill bath between bedrooms 2 and 3, and a hall bath with a tub. 2nd Floor Laundry Room equipped with Electrolux washer and dryer. A walk-up staircase leads to a huge unfinished attic space with limitless potential. The Finished Basement boasts an entertainment area featuring a large space with a Sony Bravia TV setup and room for a home gym. A Bonus Room that’s ideal for guests, a nanny or office space complete with an egress window. Additional Spaces include a utility room, ample storage, and media rooms for A/V and security systems and a powder room. Technical and Structural Features include Heating and Cooling: 6-zone gas forced air heat and 2-zone central AC. Security and Tech: Central station fire, smoke, and burglary alarms, soundproofing throughout, and a whole-house filtration system. Freshly redone with a new roof, Hardie Board siding, bluestone staircase, paver patio, and smart door features. Includes ring cameras and underground electrical wiring. The garage is equipped for Amazon in-Key delivery. This home combines modern amenities with thoughtful details, ensuring both comfort and convenience.

108 9th Street

Date: 03/04/2025 Sold price: $2,050,000 5 bedrooms, 3 full bath, 1 half bath

Architectural Style: Victorian

Property Size: .46 acres

Annual taxes: $23,479

MLS number: L3585050

The Seller’s Team: Jennifer Sullivan, Compass Greater NY The Buyer’s Team: Cheryl Adams McAuliffe and Mary Weille, Howard Hanna Coach

This historical and beautiful Victorian with charming wrap around porch features 3000 interior square feet, 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and is situated mid-block on a large 100 x 201 property in the prestigious and sought after Central section of Garden City. Upon entry you are greeted by a lovely entry foyer, hallway and staircase. The elegant living room with fireplace is open to the formal dining room with rich crown moldings, built-ins and high ceilings. A renovated kitchen with center island, granite countertops, stainless appliances including a Bertazzoni gas range and hood leads to a large family room, private home office or possible 5th bedroom with full bath and an enclosed back porch. Upstairs you will find 4 spacious bedrooms including the master bedroom with ensuite black & white bathroom with large glass shower, a renovated hallway bath and an enclosed porch / office. Other highlights include: basement with large rec room plus 2 bonus rooms, utility room with 3 year old gas burner and hot water heater, 10 year old roof, detached 2 car garage, multiple fireplaces, large windows and exceptional ceiling height throughout this beauty. Truly, a rare opportunity to own a piece of Garden City history. Close proximity to shopping, restaurants, LIRR and Award Winning Schools. The prime location, large property size and low taxes make this an incredible opportunity.

This informational page is sponsored by Douglas Elliman

Real Estate

Houses featured on this page were sold by various real estate agencies

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 1-3PM 460 OLD COUNTRY ROAD, GARDEN CITY

Welcome to 460 Old Country Road, a beautifully updated 4 bedroom, 2.55 bath colonial located in the Eastern section of Garden City. The first floor features an entry foyer, spacious living room with woodburning fireplace, formal dining room, large eat-in kitchen, bedroom with en-suite half bath and a powder room. The upstairs has a primary bedroom with en-suite full bath, 2 additional bedrooms and a full bath. Some highlights of the home include an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, updated bathrooms, central air conditioning, 4-zone gas heating, hardwood floors, a finished basement with large recreation room, in-ground sprinklers, and a 1-car detached garage. The backyard with rear brick patio make it perfect for entertaining. This home is in close proximity to shopping, restaurants, schools and the park. Don’t miss this one! Asking price $998,000

MICHELLE McARDLE, SRES, ASP

#1 agent in the Garden City office 2017 – 2024 Chairman’s

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Accredited Staging Professional Senior Real Estate Specialist Relocation Specialist Cell: 516-306-4134 michelle.mcardle@elliman.com

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CAP candidates meet Wyndham residents

We bring a unique perspective to the table, blending traditional values with modern expertise. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, we are dedicated to providing personalized service tailored to your needs. When you choose our Mother/Son team, you gain a partner who truly understands the importance of long-term success and building a legacy for generations to come.

As another election cycle is upon us, the candidates from the Community Agreement Party have been out meeting with residents to discuss various issues facing the Village today. March is for Meet & Greets! While the four Property Owners Associations regularly hold larger meetings to introduce candidates, these smaller Meet & Great formats allow for a more personal way to interact with residents.

The Meet & Greet season started with a session exclusively for residents of the Wyndham Condominiums. Sitting Trustee and Mayoral Candidate Ed Finneran and Candidates Yvonne Varano and Rich Catalano joined about twenty residents to

discuss a wide range of topics, including the upcoming St. Paul’s Survey, water, traffic concerns, the West Fire House, the ball fields and more. After introducing themselves and speaking about where they stand on some of these issues, the Candidates were able to break into smaller groups to engage in more personal conversation.

Several Meet & Greets are upcoming, with the next being Friday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m. at 103 Brook Street. Stay tuned for dates and locations to be announced during the week of March 9. For more information on the CAP Candidates, please visit www. gardencitycap.org and please remember to vote on Tuesday, March 18.

from residents.

Candidate Yvonne Varano introduces herself to residents.

Current Trustee and Mayoral Candidate Ed Finneran welcomes the Wyndham residents to the first Meet & Greet.

Candidate Rich Catalano takes questions

$5,200/monthly

$1,295,000

Garden City real estate, reimagined.

Stephen Baymack

Assoc. RE Broker Principal Agent

Laura Baymack

Lauren Grima Lic. RE Salesperson Principal Agent

Pedro “Pete” Diaz Lic. RE Salesperson Principal Agent

Karen Guendjoian Lic. RE Salesperson Principal Agent

Patricia Ottati Lic. Assoc. RE Broker Principal Agent

Athena Menoudakos Lic. RE Salesperson Founding Agent Alexander G. Olivieri Lic. RE Salesperson Founding Agent

Maureen

Lauren Canner Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Alexandra Parisi Lic. Assoc. RE Broker

Catherine Anatra Lic. RE Salesperson

Menoudakos Team

Demetrios Arnidis Lic. RE Salesperson McCooey Olivieri Team

Kathy Thornton

Jennifer Sullivan Lic. RE Salesperson Founding Agent

Danielle Nero Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Daniel Niebler Lic. RE Salesperson Baymack Team

Kate Russo Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Julie Whicher Lic. RE Salesperson Baymack Team

Christina M. Hirschfield

Team

Susan Gillin Lic. RE Salesperson Jen Sullivan Team

Adrienne McDougal

RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Ryan Mullins Lic. RE Salesperson Jen Sullivan Team

Frank Morabito Lic. RE Salesperson Pete Diaz Team

Amanda Keller Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Kerry Flynn Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Denice Giacometti Lic. RE Salesperson McCooey Olivieri Team

Mairead Garry Lic. RE Salesperson McCooey Olivieri Team

Carolyn Fowler Lic. RE Salesperson Laura Carroll Team

Alyson

Chelsea Costello

5

List this spring with the #1 brokerage in Garden City.* Reach out to connect to a Garden City agent.

206 Brompton Road, Garden City

5 BD | 2 BA | 60X100 LOT | $1,399,000

OPEN HOUSE: Sunday Mar 9th 2 PM – 4 PM

This beautiful cape offers space, charm & convenience. You’ll be delighted with this 5-bedroom, 2 full bathroom home located in the Garden City Estates section. It boasts a bright and spacious living room/dining room with elegant built-ins. Recently re-modeled eat-in-kitchen with granite countertops, island and Miele appliances. It has sliding glass doors leading out to a charming, fully fenced backyard with patio, green space and attractive landscaping. This property features stunning hardwood floors throughout, walk-in Cedar closet, finished basement with rec room, storage and utilities. It offers CAC, whole house generator, irrigation system and much more. It is conveniently situated near LIRR Merillon Ave Station, parks and schools. Low Taxes!!!

NEW TO MARKET

76 1 ST STREET

GARDEN CITY

5 BEDROOMS

4.5 BATHROOMS

$2,950,000

OPEN HOUSE

FRIDAY, 5–7PM & SATURDAY, 12–3PM

Jen Sullivan

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Founding Agent of Compass Garden City Member of Luxury Division jennifer.sullivan@compass.com M: 516.361.7190

Get ready to fall in love with this fully renovated and expanded 5 bedroom and 4.5 bath stunning home situated on a professionally landscaped 100x200 lot in the prestigious Central Section of Garden City. This expansive 3,700 square foot home has been thoughtfully designed and the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces offers the ultimate lifestyle for effortless entertaining and stylish and comfortable family living.

Upon entering, you are greeted by a welcoming foyer with staircase showcasing rich millwork and finely crafted moldings and a new mudroom with heated flooring. The main level also features a living room with gas fireplace, beautiful office/den with custom built-ins, renovated kitchen outfitted with premium Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, farmhouse sink, quartz countertops, a large center island, wet bar with sink, wine fridge and refrigeration drawers as well as a separate sunny eating area. The kitchen opens to the dining room area and family room which is bathed in natural light from a stunning wall of windows and glass doors that lead out to the “WOW” backyard complete with outdoor covered patio with linear gas fireplace, TV, summer kitchen and turfed backyard. A powder room and spacious guest suite with brand new bathroom complete the main level. Upstairs discover the dreamy new primary bedroom suite with gas fireplace, high ceilings, two Juliet balconies, private marble bathroom with glass shower, soaking tub, water closet, dressing area and large walk-in closet. Three additional bedrooms, second floor laundry and one additional hallway bath complete the 2nd level. Additional highlights include: finished lower level with large recreation room with walk out egress, two-car garage, beautifully designed circular driveway, security system, central AC and backyard oasis. Truly, an outstanding home! Come see for yourself!

Stephen Baymack

The Baymack Team

Licensed Associate RE Broker stephen.baymack@compass.com

M: 516.216.0244

Laura Baymack

The Baymack Team

Licensed RE Salesperson laura.baymack@compass.com M: 516.537.3050

Locust

City 5 BD | 3.5 BA | $1,785,000

Perfectly situated midblock on a quiet tree lined street, this beautiful Tudor style home offers a generous amount of living and entertaining space. The home boasts spacious sun-light rooms including a cozy living room with a fireplace, an elegant formal dining room, a custom kitchen, a den or home office and a family room with cathedral ceilings and another fireplace. There is a primary bedroom suite and 4 additional nicely sized bedrooms that are serviced by 2 full bathrooms. The basement recreation room, coupled with a private backyard patio on a large lot, private an ideal setting for entertaining. The location, thoughtful layout and impeccable condition makes this a truly exceptional value and the perfect place to call home!

280 Stewart Avenue, Garden City

4 BD | 4 BA | $1,699,000

Mid century modern in the heart of Garden City. Situated on over half an acre with over 4,000 square feet of living space, proximity to the train and the village’s vibrant Seventh Street. The bones of the house have been lovingly maintained. The “L” shape of the house, which follows the outer perimeter of the property, allows for a quiet and private yard with plenty of space for leisure.

Songs of Ireland for a Sunday Afternoon

ST. PATRICK’S DAY SPECIALS

Dine-in only! Available in the dining room and at the bar.

GRIMALDI’S PARTY PACKAGES

$32/person • 3-hour package

Coffee • Tea • Soda

Mixed Green Salad/Caesar Salad

Antipasto/Tomato & Mozzarella

Assorted Pinwheels

One Large Calzone per Table Unlimited Pizza w/ Toppings

$35/person - +Pasta Course

$40/person - +Chicken/Eggplant Entrée

$24/person - Beer/Wine Package

$34/person - Open Bar Package

or more booked Mon–Sun 11:30AM–4PM. Starting at $32/person. Call for details. Holidays excluded.

BY MELISSA JAEGER

Where does the expression “the luck of the Irish” come from? It appears that it was initially a disparaging comment. Irish immigrants and prospectors were said to have the “luck of the Irish” when they made a strike or were successful; the unsaid assumption being that it was luck rather than knowledge, hard work or skill that brought the riches during the 19th century gold rush in the U.S. Very interesting! Truth be told, I always associated it with leprechauns and the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I always invoke the expression when my husband is attempting to find a coveted parking spot! (LOL)

There are quite a few lucky (and not so lucky) Irish superstitions, based in Irish folklore. We are all familiar with the belief that a four-leaf clover is lucky (as are shamrocks). You may also have heard that an itchy left hand means you will come into money. Good luck. Conversely, an itchy right hand means you will have to hand over money soon. If you accidentally put on a shirt inside out, it brings good luck, as long as you keep the shirt on inside out!

Feeling lucky?

their diverse styles. If the name sounds familiar – it is if you go to the GC Pool! They have an extensive range of over 250 songs spanning across Irish, Americana, Pop, Classic Rock, and Country, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. The performance will be 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at The TGCHS Museum located at 109 Eleventh Street.

We are also pleased to announce that the family of Maureen Clancy (19322021) will sponsor this program. She and her husband, Cummin, started Clancy & Clancy Brokerage which has been around for more than 67 years. She was also an extremely active and respected member of the GC community, both in private and professional circles. Maureen was a past president of The Garden City Historical Society and an avid supporter of its music programs. As such, The Garden City Historical Society is dedicating its “Songs of Ireland for a Sunday Afternoon” March 16th performance to the memory of Maureen.

Must present this ad for discount. Not to be combined with any other offer.

That being said, I do ask if you’re feeling lucky – lucky enough to win the beautiful Irish-themed prize that will be raffled off at the Garden City Historical Society (TGCHS) “Songs of Ireland for a Sunday Afternoon” show. On Sunday, March 16, at 3:00 p.m., John Kouri and the Hambones will perform at the Garden City Historical Society Museum.

Between them, the members of the group have over 150 years of musical experience, playing in individual bands. They united in 2010 with a simple “desire to play the music we love.” For the past 15 years, they have been on a musical journey captivating their audiences with

Be sure to get your tickets (only $40 per person) soon, as it is our most popular show and sells out quickly. Light refreshments -- including Irish soda bread and Irish coffee -- will be served after the show. Tickets can be purchased at the A.T. Stewart Exchange (Mon-Fri 10–4; Sat 12–4 and Wed until 6 p.m.), located at the rear of the TGCHS Museum (the yellow Victorian house on 11th Street).

“May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall softly upon your field.” Traditional Irish blessing (ancient Celtic prayer).

John Kouri and the Hambones will perform at the Garden City Historical Society Museum.

Corned

Shepherd’s

Guinness

Tullamore

Baileys

Sweeney’s

Boy Scout Troop 243 Pancake Breakfast

Museum to celebrate 50th anniversary of Babylift

Local resident Lana Mae Noone will be taking part in the 50th anniversary celebration of the Vietnam Babylift, to be held at the Pan Am Museum, located in the Cradle of Aviation Museum, The event will take place on April 24, at 6 p.m..

Several original flight attendants and Pan Am Babylift staff will participate in a panel, to be moderated by moderated by award-winning documentary film producer Tammy Nguyen Lee. Lana Noone will present a posthumous award honoring President Ford to a representative of the Gerald Ford Presidential Library.

Sister Mary Nelle Gage and Leann Thieman, Babylift participants, will speak, and Al Topping, who was portrayed by James Earl Jones, will attend.

Keynote speaker is Peter Greenburg, whose Babylift TV program for “60 Minutes” won an Emmy Award several years ago.

Please contact the Museum for ticket details.

Lana Mae Noone

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin (2nd left) and Councilman Tom Muscarella (left) greeted members of Boy Scout Troop 243 during their Annual Pancake Breakfast on March 2, at St. Joseph School in Garden City.

Lutheran Preschool opens registration

Children learn fascinating properties of water, while working on an experiment called, “Water is magic!”

Once again Lutheran Preschool is pleased to offer a positive and innovative preschool program for 2, 3, and 4-year-olds, with registration now open for the 2025–26 school year.

According to Director Mrs. Jean Dietterick, activities follow the New York State standards in early childhood education. “Our teachers are certified in literacy and learning instruction. We provide a play-based environment, as the teachers implement early language, literacy and math activities.”  She adds, “Our focus is to provide the skills necessary for kindergarten expectations. School days are filled with positive

social experiences and language expression.”  With small class sizes for eight to ten children, students also enjoy outdoor recess, time in gym, music and enrichment.

Lutheran Preschool offers clubs with lunch after school, including book talks, crafts, creative building, games, chess, and art club. Soccer Shots is also available.

Please check our website, resgc.org, for complete details about our program.

To schedule a visit, tour, or for further information, contact Mrs. Dietterick’s office at 516-741-6447 or email jean@ resgc.org.

GCHS to present “The Little Mermaid” on March 13–15

Garden City High School’s production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” will be held at Garden City High School on Thursday, March 13, at 4 p.m., Friday, March 14, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 15, at 7 p.m.

Based on the classic animated film, “The Little Mermaid” is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by Academy Award winner Alan

Women’s Health Care of Garden City committed to personalized care

By John L. Gomes, MD

John L. Gomes, MD, founded Women’s Health Care of Garden City in 1995. It has remained an independent private practice, providing personalized obstetrical and gynecological services.

He employs the technical advances of conventional medicine with an integrative approach to navigate women through difficult pregnancies into the menopausal years. He treats a wide variety of OB/GYN conditions and is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care.

All tests are conveniently done on the premises, and a dedicated, compassionate staff is on call 24/7.

He is committed to excellence in patient communication, education and support, as many patients come with anxiety associated with past experiences and future concerns.

Dr. Gomes received his undergraduate degree from Brown University, and his Doctor of Medicine from Columbia University.

He is both Board Certified and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Women’s Health Care of Garden City is located at 1000 Franklin Avenue, Suite 200, Garden City.

Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”

Tickets are $10 for students and senior citizens and $12 for general admission. Tickets can only be purchased online at https://gchsny.booktix.com/.

The Dean’s Cross awarded to Howard University professor

BY ARLEEN BREEN

On February 22, the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Long Island was alive with music, joy, and reverence as friends from across the Diocese gathered to honor the enduring legacy of Blessed Absalom Jones, the first Black priest in the Episcopal Church. The annual celebration was not just a remembrance but a powerful tribute to faith, justice, and perseverance, marked by uplifting hymns and soul-stirring reflections.

Presiding over the service was the Right Reverend Lawrence C. Provenzano, Bishop of the Diocese of Long Island. The highlight of the event, however, was a powerful sermon by the Rev. Cn. Dr. Donald Kortright Davis, Professor of Theology at Howard University. With wisdom and conviction, Canon Davis challenged the congregation to face today’s struggles with "a compassionate heart, a collaborative mind, creative imagination, and a courageous spirit."

Another highlight of the celebration came when the Very Rev. Michael Sniffen, Dean of the Cathedral of the Incarnation, presented Canon Davis with the prestigious Dean’s Cross for Distinguished Service. Established in 1990, the award is the highest honor bestowed by the Cathedral, recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the Church and society.

Canon Davis is no stranger to leadership and service. His long and distinguished career spans ministry, education, and ecumenical dialogue. From shaping theological education at Codrington College to serving on esteemed international theological commissions—such as the Anglican/ Roman Catholic International

Commission and the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches—his work has left an indelible mark on global Christian thought.

Dean Sniffen praised Canon Davis for his tireless dedication to both pastoral and prophetic ministry.

"Your ministry and scholarship have enriched the Church for decades," he said. "You have called the Church to a deeper understanding of emancipa -

tion and greater compassion for God’s people everywhere."

The evening’s music, directed by the talented Quincy Dover, was nothing short of breathtaking. A combined choir and musicians led the congregation in stirring renditions of spirituals and hymns, including "Blessed Absalom," "Lift Every Voice and Sing," "Oh Freedom," and the powerful offertory anthem "Elijah Rock," arranged by Moses Hogan.

The harmonies resonated through the Cathedral, uniting voices in a shared celebration of faith and history.

From its vibrant worship to its deep commitment to social justice, the Cathedral of the Incarnation continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration. If you are seeking a spiritual home where tradition meets transformation, come and experience the warmth and hospitality that define this sacred space.

Rev. Cn. Dr. Kortright Davis, professor of theology at Howard University delivered a powerful sermon.

Joyful music for Absalom Jones.

Dean Sniffen awards the Dean’s Cross to Rev. Cn. Dr. Davis

For 25 years, we’ve transformed uncertainty into unwavering assurance, creating sophisticated spaces where care and comfort naturally intertwine. Because the best decisions often begin with ‘I’m not sure.’

For a list of all locations in the tri-state area, visit: thebristal.com When Expertise Meets Compassion – Confidence Follows

EAB speaker discusses LI water supply study

Continued from page 3

Aquifer for their public water supply.  There has been a reduction of about 5% of the volume of water in LI’s aquifer system as a result of major pumping which began around the year 1900.

The groundwater system in western Long Island has been under stress from the pumping that has occurred.  Water was pumped by a series of wells at Flatbush in Brooklyn.  By 1936, the elevation of the water table at this location had dropped to -30 feet and nearby wells indicated significant levels of salt water intrusion.   Pumping moved to Woodhaven in Queens, which also showed signs of significant salt water intrusion and a drop in elevation of the water table near the wells to -10 feet by 1961.  Pumping then moved to Jamaica in Queens.  Wells around that area

now have significant salt water intrusion.   Much of Brooklyn and Queens counties now have salt water intrusion in both the Magothy and Lloyd aquifers. Saltwater intrusion is indicated by the chloride concentration in the water.  The standard for drinking water is 250 ppm.  Many of the wells in these areas have a chloride concentration greater than 1,000 milligrams/liter.

The study showed that there is massive salt water intrusion in southern Brooklyn and Queens resulting from this historical pumpage.  The salt water intrusion has not receded even though pumpage from these wells has ended.

Several areas in Nassau County also showed signs of salt water intrusion.  These areas include an area in southwest Nassau County, Great Neck, Manhasset Neck and the BayvilleOyster Bay area.   It was also deter-

mined that the interface between the freshwater and saltwater off the southern shore of Long Island is likely very close to the shoreline and not several miles south of it, as had previously been thought.

Links to the full presentation to the GC EAB can be found at https://www.gardencityny.net/210/ Environmental-Advisory-Board or https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=YvuGWZg29lM&embeds_ referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gardencityny.net%2F&source_ve_ path=OTY3MTQ.  The full USGS reports can be viewed by visiting https://www. usgs.gov/centers/new-york-water-science-center/science/groundwater-sustainability-long-island-aquifer-system.

An updated computerized model of the aquifer system was developed.  Some results from various scenarios

Love to write?

that were modeled can be viewed by visiting the above website.   This model will be of great use to future planners in showing what might result from various stresses on the aquifer system such as overpumping, climate change and drought.

Conservation of water should be a high priority in Nassau County to stop the salt water intrusion from getting worse.  The most effective way to conserve water is by reducing the amount that homeowners use for irrigation during the summer.  Pumpage during the summer peak season is much greater in Nassau County than it is during the off-peak season. The best ways to reduce the amount of water used for irrigation are to install a smart controller and to plant native vegetation that generally requires less water than non-native species.

We’re looking for writers in our community to compose ar ticles on local topics, opinions, reviews, worthy places to visit on Long Island, and even pieces of fiction. We aim to feature at least one new article and writer each week in our Discovery magazine section.

Email submissions: editor@gcnews.com

• Attach article and any photos (1MB), along with your name and contact info.

• Articles must be between 1,500 - 3,000 words. • Each writer will be reimbursed a stipend of $25.⁰⁰

2025 VILLAGE ELECTION: MARCH 18TH - ST. PAUL’S FIELD HOUSE

Rich Catalano for Trustee!

Rich has been a Garden City resident for 25+ years and raised three boys with his wife Mary. He is currently the Co-President of the Estates POA and is one of the founding members of the Say NO to the Casino Civic Association. For the past two years, Rich has fought the proposed mega casino that would diminish our quality of life and reduce our home values. Rich has been a CPA for over 40 years and spent most of his career at KPMG serving as an audit partner. He is committed to finding innovative solutions to challenging problems, building consensus and always being transparent. You can always reach Rich at (516) 633-2469

EXPERIENCE

• Co-President and Board Director of the Estates POA

• Founding member and leader of the Say NO to the Casino Civic Association

• 40+ years of finance experience including serving as an audit partner at KPMG; currently an EVP & CFO at a LI public company

• Co-President and Board Director of the Estates POA

• Founding member and leader of the Say NO to the Casino Civic Association

• 40+ years of finance experience including serving as an audit partner at KPMG; currently an EVP & CFO at a LI public company

St. Paul’s Open Letter To Garden City Board of Trustees

We, the undersigned residents of Garden City, are writing to express our shared interest in the future of the St. Paul’s main building. We recognize the value of this landmark to so many in our community and appreciate the Board’s efforts to explore potential options for its future.

We believe, however, that the current survey neither encompasses the full range of possibilities nor can fully reflect community sentiment for the St. Paul’s building. Despite public resident demand, the Board of Trustees has refused to allow demolition or facadism to be represented equally with adaptive reuse on the survey. Furthermore, no prior survey of Village residents has explored all potential options to determine resident choice.

Therefore, we respectfully request that the Board of Trustees undertake a comprehensive and unbiased assessment of resident preferences regarding the St. Paul’s main building before any additional monies are spent on the building. This assessment should explore all viable options, including, but not limited to:

•Adaptive reuse of the existing structure for various purposes.

• Preservation and restoration of the building’s facade with a multi-purpose sports/ community center behind it.

• Demolition of the building and redevelopment of the site.

We believe that no decisions regarding the future of St. Paul’s should be finalized until the Village has gathered comprehensive input from residents on all possible options. A thorough understanding of resident priorities and willingness to fund a chosen project is essential for ensuring that any plan moving forward reflects the best interests of the community and has wide and extended community support.

We urge the Board to prioritize this comprehensive survey of residents of all options and to make the results publicly available. We are confident that through open communication and collaboration, we can determine the best path forward for this important community asset.

Sincerely,

Please go to www.stpaulsopenletter.com to add your name to the list of people in support of resident choice for St. Paul’s.

World Quality Corp.

mcarterflanagan@gardencityny.net

Improving communications between residents and the Village has been one of my priorities since joining the Board of Trustees in 2022, and I am thrilled to announce the roll out of our Village app - MyGardenCity. It is my hope that the app will transform how residents get information and communicate with the Village! Receiving important notifications, submitting and tracking service requests, paying water and tax bills, and accessing information are a few of the highlights.

should be installed in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home, including the basement. Carbon Monoxide alarms should be placed on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. CO is colorless and odorless—alarms are the only way to detect it! For more information on smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and other information on fire safety and prevention, visit www.gcfdny.com, www.fasny.com and www.nfpa.org.

MyGardenCity brings together access to Village Hall, the Recreation Department, the Garden City Pool and the GC Library, and all residents can download it today in the App Store or Google Play. Its robust notification system will keep you updated on what’s happening around town.

I expect MyGardenCity will be constantly evolving to best meet community needs, and your input will help that happen. With the app on your phone, opportunities for feedback will come to you.

St. Paul’s Town Hall March 8th

There will be another St. Paul’s Town Hall on Saturday, March 8 at the Senior Center beginning at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will provide information on the Board’s work with BCI for the survey, including descriptions of the various options for the Main Building, “ballpark costs” and initial estimates of the impact on Village taxes. The meeting will also be held via Zoom.

DPW Transfer Station & Fire Department Training Facility

The Board of Trustees held a special work session March 4 to share a presentation on the proposed DPW Transfer Station and Garden City Fire Department training facility. To view the presentation, visit our website, www.gardencityny.net.

Daylight Saving Time

On Sunday, March 9 (Daylight Saving Time), New Yorkers will set their clocks forward one hour. This Sunday, as you set your clocks forward for Daylight Saving Time, take a few extra minutes to check and change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors! These alarms are your first line of defense in a fire or CO emergency— make sure they are working when you need them most! Smoke alarms

Happening in Garden City

Saturday, March 8th

1:00 p.m. St. Paul’s Town Hall at the Senior Center

Sunday, March 9th

9:30 a.m. Pickleball at the St. Paul’s Field House. Nominal fee.

Monday, March 10th

1:30 p.m. Monday Movie Matinée: My Left Foot at the Library

1:30 p.m. Little Listeners Storytime at the Library. Must register.

7:30 p.m. Library Board of Trustees Meeting and Budget Work Session at the Library

7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball in the St. Paul’s Field House. Nominal fee.

Tuesday, March 11th

2:00 p.m. Marc Courtade presents Julie Andrews at the Library

7:00 p.m. Yoga With Kimberly at the Library. Must register.

Wednesday, March 12th

7:00 p.m. Special Meeting of the Library Board of Trustees at the Library

Thursday, March 13th

7:30 p.m. Recreation Commission Meeting at the Cottages

7:30 p.m. Adult Volleyball and Soccer in the St. Paul’s Field House. Nominal fee.

Friday, March 14th

1:00 p.m. James Hawkins presents “Stories and Songs of Ireland” at the Library

Saturday, March 15th

10:00 a.m. Baby & Toddler Storytime for ages Birth - 2.5 Years at the Library

11:00 a.m. Budding Bookworms Storytime for ages 2.5-5 Years at the Library

Tuesday, March 18th

12:00 - 9:00 p.m. Village Election at the St. Paul’s Field House

7:00 p.m. Teen Paint Night at the Library. Must register.

Mayor Mary Carter Flanagan

Gas odor traced

On February 27, officers assisted firefighters who responded to Cluett Hall due to reports of a natural gas odor. A boiler issue was determined to be the cause of the smell.

Suspended license, registration

A motorist on Stewart Avenue was charged on February 27 with driving with both a suspended license and a suspended registration.

Fire alarm due to stove issue

Firefighters, with assistance from officers, responded to a residence on February 27 for a fire alarm. The issue was traced to a problem with the stove, and responders rendered the home safe.

Speeding and suspended license

On February 27, a Rockaway Avenue motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license and excessive speed.

Water main break

Garden City Police and Water Department personnel responded to Fairmount Boulevard on February 27 to address a water main break.

Suspended registration

A Washington Avenue motorist was charged on February 27 with driving with a suspended registration and operating an uninsured vehicle.

iPads reported stolen

On February 28, multiple iPads were reported stolen from an office on 7th Street. Authorities are investigating the theft.

Broken water main cap

The Police Department notified the Water Department on February 28 about a broken water main cap on Clinton Road.

Unsafe driving violations

A Clinton Road motorist faced multiple charges on February 28, including driving with a suspended registration and unsafe lane usage.

Truck driver cited

A truck driver on New Hyde Park Road was charged on February 28 with unsafe tires and multiple equipment violations.

Burnt food sets off alarm

On February 28, both the Garden City Fire Department and Garden City Police Department responded to a restaurant after a fire alarm was activated by burnt food.

Defective brakes

A New Hyde Park Road truck driver was cited on February 28 for defective

brakes and additional equipment violations.

Hit-and-run truck collision

A truck reportedly left the scene on March 1 after colliding with a vehicle on Stewart Avenue.

Fraudulent transactions

On March 1, officers looked into reports of multiple fraudulent transactions made against a victim’s bank accounts.

Suspended

license

A Washington Avenue motorist was charged on March 1 with driving with a suspended license, a suspended registration, and an uninsured vehicle.

Water line break

Police and Water Department personnel responded to Wellington Road on March 1 to address a water line break.

Multiple violations

On March 1, a Clinton Road motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license, a suspended registration, and operating an uninsured vehicle.

False medical alert

Garden City Police responded to a medical alert alarm on March 1 and determined that it had been set in error.

Defective lights

On March 1, a Clinton Road motorist was charged with driving with a suspended license and having defective lights.

St. Patrick’s Day parade

On March 2, police personnel were assigned to manage traffic along Old Country Road for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Excessive speed

A Clinton Road motorist was charged on March 2 with driving with a suspended license and excessive speed.

Malfunctioning elevator

On March 2, officers assisted firefighters who responded to an apartment complex for a report of a malfunctioning elevator.

Unsafe driving charges

A Rockaway Avenue motorist was charged on March 2 with aggressive driving, including speeding and unsafe lane usage.

Fire alarm error

Garden City Police assisted firefighters on March 2 in responding to a restaurant where a fire alarm had been activated in error.

Suspended registrations

Two Clinton Road motorists were charged on March 2 with driving with suspended registrations.

Truck violations

On March 3, a Nassau Boulevard truck operator was charged with driving in a prohibited zone with a suspended license.

Multiple fire alarms

The Garden City Fire Department and Police Department responded on March 3 to three separate fire alarms—one caused by burnt food, one by shower steam, and one triggered in error.

Truck tickets

A St. James Street South truck operator was cited on March 3 for driving in a prohibited zone and mul-

tiple equipment violations.

Uninsured vehicle

A South Avenue motorist was charged on March 3 with disregarding a traffic control sign and operating an uninsured vehicle.

Prohibited zone

A Washington Avenue truck operator was charged on March 3 with driving in a prohibited zone and multiple equipment violations.

Excessive speed

A motorist near the Middle School was charged on March 3 with driving with a suspended license, a suspended registration, and excessive speed.

Suspicious incident

On March 4, police began investigating a report of a man sleeping inside a house under construction on Willow Street. The subject fled the scene when a contractor entered the home.

Overweight truck

Two Clinton Road truck drivers were charged on March 4 with operating overweight vehicles.

See page 43

Quick

Remote

Trusted

Trusted

IN MEMORIAM

Paula Vecchiarelli

Paula Vecchiarelli passed away Thursday evening, February 27, 2025, at home with her family by her side after a nine year battle with cancer. She was 67 years old.

Paula was born March 30, 1957. Paula is survived and missed by her loving husband Chris of 40 years; and her children, Jennifer (Andrew) of Huntington, NY, Jonathan (Lauren) of Chatham, NJ, and Kristin (Alex) of Lynbrook, NY. Forever cherished and remembered by her three grandsons, Max (3), Luke (3) & Aiden (4 Months). As well as her six siblings, Claudia Anderson, Dave Warner, Donna Carver, Melanie Warner, Peter Warner, and Tommy Warner. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will greatly miss her. Paula was predeceased by her mother and father, Jean & Charles Warner. She was also predeceased by her in-laws Jennie & John Vecchiarelli.

She was born in New York, NY and

grew up in East Rockaway. Later she moved to Floral Park, to start her family, followed by two years in North Andover, MA, 25 years in Garden City, and recently retired to Mount Sinai, NY.

Some of her greatest joy came from her three children. They created many memories while enjoying vacations together as a family. Paula was a devoted teacher in the New Hyde ParkGarden City Park School District for 30 years. Paula had very strong values and was well liked by everyone. She was selfless, to the very end, and always made time to help others. Her legacy will carry on forever reminding us that we control the type of people we are and how we will be remembered in this world.

There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to our family, friends, and neighbors who provided both physical and emotional support these last few weeks.

Have you lost someone?

If you would like to post an obituary for a loved one, simply send a short biography of them along with (if desired) their photo, details of their funeral/visitation services, and/or any donation requests to editor@gcnews.com, or call our office at 516-294-8900 to inquire.

The Trump Administration, Tariffs, and Ukraine

BY BOB MORGAN, JR.

While many of President Trump's initiatives in the first days of his term have revolved around domestic issues like immigration and the DOGE initiatives to reduce federal spending, a surprising number have involved foreign relations, and not just Mr. Trump's rather whimsical pledges to annex or control Canada, Greenland, the Panama Canal and even Gaza.

The two greatest of these foreign policy related issues are tariffs and the continuing struggle in Ukraine.

The latest chapter in Mr. Trump's tariff initiatives is to impose 25 percent tariffs on imports from both Mexico and Canada (although 10 percent on Canadian energy), and to double tariffs on Chinese goods to 20 percent). Mr. Trump also pledges to inaugurate reciprocal tariffs effective on April 2, whereby the United States will impose additional tariffs to equalize the level of tariff and non-tariff barriers between the United States and other countries.

The Trump Administration has put forth a number of rationales in favor of the tariffs. In respect of the tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China, the tariffs are promoted as punitive measures designed to deter the importation of fentanyl into the United States from Mexico and Canada, often derived from materials from China.

With respect to the imposition of tariffs in general, Mr. Trump's argument is that most trade agreements are very unfair to the United States, and that American imports are discriminated against. The contention is that, with a more favorable balance of trade, United States exports will greatly be enhanced, and so will domestic manufacturing.

A first comment on tariffs is that this is a very fluid situation. There are all sorts of rumors that the newly imposed tariffs will be dropped, postponed or modified. There was no indication of any change in policy during Mr. Trump's speech before Congress this week, but you just never know.

A second comment is that the fentanyl rationale seems totally overblown as to Canada, a major trade

partner of the United States. Unlike Mexico, where drug lords control significant parts of the country, and even China, whose products are credibly linked to the drug trade, imports of fentanyl from Canada play a far less significant role.

But more fundamentally, there are strong economic arguments against tariffs. Indeed, many economists dislike tariffs in general and blame the imposition of the 1930 Smoot Hawley tariff for the severity of the Great Depression in the United States. Tariffs can be inflationary because the tax on imports can be passed along to consumers. Tariffs invite retaliatory tariffs, whereby products from a country imposing tariffs are themselves subject to levies, a combination that can reduce overall production in both nations.

As for the Ukranian conflict, Mr. Trump seems overall to be on the right track.

Make no mistake, Russia and Vladimir Putin were the aggressors in Ukraine, and the invasion of its neighbor was completely unjustified. Ukranians under Volodymyr Zelensky, supported by Western arms, including advanced weaponry supplied by the United States, have fought back bravely and staved off a quick victory by superior Russian forces. Russia has made some territorial gains, but the military situation is largely stalemated, with tremendous loss of life.

While President Trump has been diplomatically maladroit at times in dealing with Mr. Zelensky and sometimes seems to tilt too much toward the Russians, he is basically right that this conflict needs to end, and quickly. An overall military victory by Ukraine, whereby it regains all of its lost territory, seems extremely unlikely, and continued fighting would only lead to needless civilian and military casualties.

If were up to me, President Trump's risky approach on tariffs would be viewed with skepticism. On the other hand, while guarantees need to be put in place, Mr. Trump is generally correct in his belief that the war in Ukraine needs to end quickly and realistically.

Transparent

Fiscally Conservative

Current Trustee

Finance Committee Chair

Environmental Advisory Board Co-Chair

Traffic Committee, Member FOR VILLAGE TRUSTEE

Garden City PTA News

Save the Dates!

Grab your calendar and mark down these important upcoming dates across the school district. Keep an eye on the PTA website and the GCUFSD website “Events” page for even more detail on what’s happening across all seven schools.

• March 11 - Joint HS & MS PTA Meeting at HS, 9:30 a.m.

• March 13 - GCTA Senior Citizens Buffet Dinner, 3:30 p.m. at GCHS

• March 26 - GC PTA Annual Fundraising Dinner

• March 28 - Middle School PTA/SEPTA Family Bingo Night PARP Pen Pal Program (Grades K–5)

The PTA PARP Committee is thrilled to reintroduce the Garden City Pen Pal Program for 2025!  Students from different Garden City schools will be matched according to grade and will send a written letter to their assigned pen pal in the mail. This activity is completely optional (but we hope you will opt in!).  If you would like your child to participate, please complete the form sent to you through email by March 31.  Students will receive their pen pal matches before spring break, and are asked to send their letters by April 30.  We look forward to helping kids connect with a love of letters, language, and reading!

Get Your Sportswear!

The spring PTA sportswear fundraiser began 3/1. Grab all new GC pride gear for grandparents, parents, students, pets and more! Scan the QR code to start shopping or go to https://gcptas25.itemorder.com/shop/sale/ Raffle Donations Needed for the Annual PTA Dinner!

The Garden City PTA will hold our Annual Fundraising Dinner on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 6:30 p.m. at the Garden City Hotel. This year’s dinner theme is “Ascending to New Heights.” By participating in the dinner, every educator, parent, and member of our school community can ensure that our students' futures continue to reach new heights!

We are looking for donations of exciting raffle baskets ($250+ value)

and enticing silent auction items ($500+ value) to help make the evening a success! If you would like to show your support of the PTA and this event, please consider joining together with your family, friends, neighbors or club and donate a raffle basket or silent auction item. If you have a connection to sports tickets, concert venues, vacation properties or experiences, please consider donating as these make very exciting prizes. Donated items will be on display at the dinner and listed in the evening's program. Email dinnerdonations@gardencitypta.org if you plan to donate or have any questions. Please help us make a difference

Your Membership Matters!

Please take a minute today to visit www.gardencitypta.org if you have not yet joined the GC PTA for the 2024–25 school year. While there, click the “Get Involved” tab to see the many volunteer opportunities with the PTA overall, and with your child’s specific schools. We can’t wait to work with you!

Let’s Connect @GardenCityPTA

Website: www.gardencitypta.org

To Get Real Time InformationTurn on Notifications

Facebook: Facebook.com/ GardenCityPTA

Instagram: Instagram.com/ GardenCityPTA

Twitter: Twitter.com/ GardenCityPTA

FOR SENIORS fyi

Garden City’s Senior Center is open. Please visit the Senior Center Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for further information on activities and events!

Trip to Raynham Hall Museum

Friday, April 18

Trip to Raynham Hall Museum in Oyster Bay. Recreation bus leaves at 10:30, guided tour begins at 11:30, lunch will be on your own at one of the many nearby restaurants, all within walking distance. Fee: $8.00, make checks payable to “Raynham Hall Museum”, register at the Senior Center front desk.

Beginner Mah Jongg Lessons

Beginner Mah Jongg Lessons, Thursdays beginning 3/20, from 10 a.m. –noon. $100 for 6 weeks of lessons, register at the Senior Center front desk, make checks payable to the “Inc Village of Garden City”.

Nassau County Office for the Aging

Friday, March 7, at 1:15–3:15

Nassau County Office for the Aging will be at the Senior Center for an informational session, and will also bring equipment to make Senior I.D’s. To register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006.

Preparing for Emergencies

On Tuesday, March 11, 11:00 a.m., at the Senior Center, NYU EMS Long Island Presents: Preparing for Emergencies. Informational SessionThe anatomy of a 911 call, free health information packets, review of essential documents, and time for Q&A. To register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006

Mobility and Flexibility Maintenance

Tuesday, March 25, at 11:00

PT Timothy Caputo from Spear Physical Therapy, will be at the Senior Center, giving a presentation about Mobility and Flexibility Maintenance. To register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006.

Pop-Up Exercise Class

Friday, March 28, at 12:15 Join us at the Senior Center for a

complimentary 50 minute pop-up class with new instructor Cathy. Includes a mix of cardio, resistance training (please bring your own 2 – 3 lb hand weights), and work using a small Pilates ball. Space is limited, to register, please stop by the Senior Center front desk or call (516) 385-8006.

Chair Yoga

New Chair Yoga schedule for Tania at the senior center. Beginning TUESDAY, March 4, 9:15–9:45 Meditation, 9:45–10:45 Chair Yoga class.

Trip to West Point

Tuesday, June 10

Trip to West Point for a tour and lunch at the Thayer Hotel. Tuesday, June 10, charter bus leaves from across the street from the Senior Center at 8:00 am, and it will depart West Point to return home at 3:00. To register visit the Senior Center, $153.oo check made payable to “Amazing Destinations”. DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO APRIL 4TH. We are now opening up this trip to non-residents.

Save the Dates for Future Trips:

Sunday May 4: “Fiddler On the Roof” (Argyle Theatre)

Sunday, June 8: “Legally Blonde” (Madison Theatre at Molloy University)

Sunday, August 3: “The Music Man” (Argyle Theatre)

Chess

4 Community

Join us for Chess 4 Community’s Play and Learn at the Senior Center, every other Friday 3:00–4:00. This program will resume in the fall, dates to be announced. All ages and levels are welcome. No registration is required, just stop by and play!

Senior Center Lunch Group

Join our Senior Center Lunch Group at 12:30–3:30 on Wednesdays, or, if you miss your pool friends, join the Garden City Pool Chat Group at the center, on Thursdays beginning at 1:00–3:30. For both groups, coffee and tea will be served, just bring your lunch and chat!!

Seniors Duplicate Bridge Results

The winners of the Monday, March 3, games: North / South: 1st Place: Joan Kiernan and Claire Burns East / West: 1st Place: Carrie Flapan and Dian Kendrick

Reminder: Please call Joan Kiernan on Sunday, March 9, to let her know whether or not you will be playing on Monday, March 10. Joan's number is 516-742-2993. Thank you!

LONG LIVE

Many ways to access great doctors? We have that. Simple mobile app? We have that, too. Convenient locations for primary, specialty, and urgent care? Absolutely. On Long Island, you have options in health care. But at Catholic Health, we'd like to remind you to choose you first – because we did, too.  Long Live You and Long Live Long Island™

It’s What’s Happening for Young Adults Through the Library

"Jumpstart College Admissions in Today's Challenging Environment" will be held at the Garden City Public Library on March 24.

“Jumpstart College Admissions in Today's Challenging Environment!” with Your College Navigator

Michael Binder

Learn about the college admissions process at the program “Jumpstart College Admissions in Today's Challenging Environment!” featuring presenter Michael Binder. This program will be held on Monday, March 24, at 7 p.m. and is for all 9th, 10th and 11th grade students and parents.

In this 75-minute seminar, 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students and parents will learn:

• Why college admissions has become significantly more competitive

• How to select the best colleges for you

• Fit and Contribution – the new key decision factors

• The 4 KEY STEPS students should take NOW to get a competitive edge!

• How to maximize your scholarship opportunities

This program will be presented by: Michael Binder, MS, MBA, president and founder, Your College Navigator, LLC www.ycnavigator.com. Registration is required online at https://gardencitypl. libcal.com beginning Tuesday, March 11, at 10 a.m. Please do a separate registra-

tion for all those attending from your family when you register.

Upcoming and Ongoing Library Programs for Tweens and Teens

These programs are for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12 unless otherwise noted. Registration is required for these programs on LibCal at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com.

Teens who complete an online survey after specific programs can receive community service for participating.

Registration is live online at https:// gardencitypl.libcal.com for the following programs:

• Tuesday, March 4–Thursday, March 13: Ornaments for Community Service (Grades 6–12)

• Tuesday, March 11 at 3:30 p.m.: LEGO Club Volunteering (Grades 6–12)

• Wednesday, March 12, at 5:30 p.m.: Perler Bead Art for Community Service (Grades 6–12)

• Thursday, March 13, at 4 p.m.: Dungeons and Dragons

• Friday, March 14, at 3:30 p.m.: Teen Crafternoon: DIY Model Magic Air Dry Clay (Grades 6–12)

• Saturday, March 15, at 2 p.m.: Video Editing with Sharper Training Solutions (Grades 6–12)

Teens enjoyed crafting and snacking after school during the new Teen Creative Hour, which was held Thursday, February 13, at the Library. Teens were able to unwind, socialize, and be creative with a variety of simple craft supplies, including LEGO bricks, origami paper, coloring sheets, colored pencils, markers, air dry clay, yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks, beads, and string. The next Teen Creative Hour will be held Thursday, March 20, at 4 p.m.. Registration will begin Tuesday, March 11, at 10 a.m. online at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com.

Registration begins Tuesday, March 11 at 10 a.m. online at https://gardencitypl. libcal.com for the following programs:

• Tuesday, March 18, at 5 p.m.: Teen Money Night with Welcome to RealLife (Grades 6–9)

• Tuesday, March 18, at 7 p.m.: Teen Paint Night (Grades 6–12)

• Thursday, March 20, at 4 p.m.: Teen Creative Hour (Grades 6–12)

• Friday, March 21, at 3:30 p.m.: Teen Gamers (Grades 6–12)

• Monday, March 24, at 7 p.m.: Jumpstart College Admissions in Today's Challenging Environment with Michael Binder (Grades 9–11 and Their Parents)

Registration begins Tuesday, March 18 at 10 a.m. online at https://gardencitypl. libcal.com for the following programs:

• Tuesday, March 18–Thursday, March 27: Egg Scavenger Hunt Project for Community Service (Grades 6–12)

• Tuesday, March 25, at 4 p.m.: Tween Tuesdays: Bracelet Making (Grades 4–7)

• Thursday, March 27, at 7 p.m.: Friendship Bracelets for Community Service (Grades 6–12)

See what's happening at your library!

From classes to lectures and concerts to movie screenings, there's never a dull day at your local library! Check this paper each week for fun and informative all-ages activities, all for free or cheap!

Ongoing Take-Home Community Service Opportunities

Looking to volunteer? Check out some of our ongoing take-home community service opportunities for tweens and teens in Grades 6–12. Please check at the Library for more information on each of these opportunities; all volunteer projects should be submitted at the Library with a Volunteer Form, which can be found outside the Tweens and Teens Room.

• Ongoing: Kindness Cards for Community Service - No registration required. Up to 10 cards can be submitted per volunteer monthly.

• Ongoing to Wednesday, April 23: Tweens & Teens Art & Poetry Showcase for Community Service - No registration required. Up to three pieces of art and three poems can be submitted per volunteer.

• Ongoing to Wednesday, April 30: Poetry for Community Service - No registration required. Up to five poems can be submitted per volunteer.

• Ongoing to Monday, May 5: Around the World Recipe Cards for Community Service - No registration required. Up to five recipe cards can be submitted per volunteer.

Friends of Library donate furniture for seating area

The Friends of the Garden City Public Library has generously donated a seating group with five arm chairs, two of which are power enabled, two side tables and three pull-up tables to enable patrons to work at lap height. The new furniture pieces are located in the back of the Library near the large windows, a popular spot for patrons. It is also located close to the book sale area which is popular for patrons browsing for bargains. The shelving in the sale section was also donated by the Friends and the book sale proceeds help to fund Library programs and museum passes.

About to hit a milestone?

Share your life accomplishments with your neighbors! Put your engagement, wedding, or baby announcement in the paper, (and it's free of charge for subscribers!)

Email editor@gcnews.com

Pictured from left are Library Board Vice Chair Mary Maguire, Library Board Chair Colleen Foley, Library Board Trustee Randy Colahan, Operations Director Courtney Rutt Rosenblatt, Friends Vice President Pat Palermo, Friends Secretary Evelyn Fasano, Friends members Carol Valenti and Rena Kuhl, Library Director Marianne Malagon and Friends President Joan Trocchia.

News from the Children’s Room

On February 19, children in Grades K–5 enjoyed making creative art and crafts.

Upcoming  March Library Programs for Children

These programs are for children ages birth through Grade 5. Registration is required. Visit https://www.gardencitypl.org to view our Events on LIBCAL for registration forms for the month of March 2025.

• Monday, March 10, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime (18 Months to 3 Years)

• Monday, March 10, at 1:30 p.m.: Little Listeners Storytime (Ages 3–5)

• Tuesday, March 11, at 10:30 a.m.: Mother Goose Storytime (Birth to 17 Months, Non-Walkers)

• Tuesday, March 11, at 11:30 a.m.: Preschool Storytime (3 Years to 5, Not in Kindergarten)

• Tuesday, March 11, at 4:00 p.m.: Lego Club (Grades K–5)

• Wednesday, March 12, at 3:30 p.m.: Mixed-Age Storytime

• Wednesday, March 12, at

4:00 p.m.: STEAM Club (Grades K–2)

• Thursday, March 13, at 11:30 a.m.: Tiny Tots Storytime

• Thursday, March 13, at 7:00 p.m.: Pajama Storytime

• Saturday, March 15, at 10:00 a.m.: Baby and Toddler Storytime

• Saturday, March 15, at 11:00 a.m.: Budding Bookworms

• Monday, March 17, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime (18 Months to 3 Years)

• Monday, March 17, at 1:30 p.m.: Little Listeners Storytime (Ages 3–5)

• Tuesday, March 18, at 3:30 p.m.: Matters of the HeART (Ages 2–5)

• Wednesday, March 19, at 3:30 p.m.: Mixed-Age Storytime

• Wednesday, March 19, at 4:00 p.m.: STEAM Club (Grades K–2)

• Wednesday, March 19, at 6:00 p.m.: Nighttime Storytime

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• Thursday, March 20, at 11:30 a.m.: Tiny Tots Storytime

• Thursday, March 20, at 7:00 p.m.: Pajama Storytime

• Friday, March 21, at 10:00 a.m.: Baby and Toddler Storytime

• Friday, March 21, at 11:00 a.m.: Budding Bookworms

• Saturday, March 22, at 10:00 a.m.: Play Hooray

• Monday, March 24, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime (18 Months to 3 Years)

• Monday, March 24, at 1:30 p.m.: Little Listeners Storytime (Ages 3–5 )

• Monday, March 24, at 3:30 p.m.: Mixed-Age Storytime

• Tuesday, March 25, at 10:30 a.m.: Mother Goose Storytime (Birth to 17 Months, Non-Walkers)

• Tuesday, March 25, at 11:30 a.m.: Preschool Storytime (3 Years to 5, Not in Kindergarten)

• Tuesday, March 25, at 4:00 p.m.: Tween Tuesdays Bracelet Making

• Wednesday, March 26, at 4:00 p.m.: STEAM Club (Grades K–2)

• Thursday, March 27, at 7:00 p.m.: Pajama Storytime

• Monday, March 31, at 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Storytime (18 Months to 3 Years)

• Monday, March 31, at 1:30 p.m.: Little Listeners Storytime (Ages 3–5 )

Unattended Child Policy

It is Library policy that all children under age 11 must be accompanied by a parent or designated responsible person while in the Library. Also, if the young child is attending a Library program, we require the parent or designated responsible person to remain in the Library throughout the program and meet the child upon completion of the program.

Library Board to meet

There will be a Regular Meeting followed by a Budget Work Session of the Board of Library Trustees on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room on the lower level. Further details will be posted when available on the Library’s website, www.gardencitypl.org.

There's a Special Board Meeting

of the Board of Library Trustees on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room on the lower level. The Board will be holding a work session regarding Library Space Planning. Further details will be posted when available on the Library’s website, www.gardencitypl.org.

On February 19, children ages 2–5 enjoyed making winter crafts.

Adult Services at the Garden City Public Library

The film “My Left Foot” will be screened at the Garden City Public Library on March 10.

Monday Movies

Monday Movies presented by the Friends of the Garden City Library at 1:30 p.m.: March 2025

3/10/25 -  “My Left Foot”, 103 mins, 1989

3/17/25 - “Once”, 85 mins, 2006 3/24/25 - “Wicked”, 160 mins, 2024 3/31/25 - “Enchanted April”, 90 mins, 1992

Programs

Below is our schedule for Adult Services. More programs and information will be available soon.

Mah-Jongg Thursday, March 13, Thursday, March 27, Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Large Meeting Room

To register, please register online at LibCal at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com/ . For additional information contact Adult Services at (516) 7428405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@gardencitypl.org.

Music Entertainment with Marc Berger Saturday, March 8, at 2 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room

*Please note the NEW time

Marc Berger presents his oneman show featuring his brand of “ American West Music. ”   Marc has performed at Austin’s South by Southwest Music Festival and The Kerrville and Falcon Ridge Folk Festivals and has opened shows for Bob Dylan and other national acts. His song “THE LAST ONE” was a staple of Richie Havens’ concerts and has been quoted in the NY Times and featured on “ The CBS Evening News ”

Marc Courtade Presents Julie Andrews! Tuesday, March 11, from 2–3 p.m. in the  Large Meeting Room

The incomparable Julie Andrews is a multi-award-winning English actress, singer, author and entertainment icon, and a Dame Commander of the British Empire. Julie Andrews has been the recipient of numerous accolades, including one British Academy Film Award, one Academy Award, two Emmy Awards, and three Grammy Awards. In this presentation, Marc Courtade will outline the

beloved performer’s life and work, and will include many examples of the voice that has entertained millions for over 60 years.

Yoga with Kimberly Tuesdays, March 11, March 18, March 25, April 1, April 8; 7 p.m.–8 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room

Kimberly Mercadante is back with her popular Yoga Series! Join her for a Yoga Class for beginners and more. All are welcome! This is a series of eight classes continuing through April. To register, please register online at gardencitypl.org.   For additional information contact Adult Services at (516) 742-8405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@gardencitypl.org.

This program is funded  by the Friends of the Garden City Public Library.

James Hawkins Presents Stories and Songs of Ireland!

Friday, March 14, from 1 - 2:30 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room

“A History of the Irish Storytelling Tradition” is a discussion and performance of storytelling “types” (for example: religious, myth, legend etc.) as they relate to Irish stories, their origins and development. Please join us as we celebrate Ireland at the library!

To register, please register online on LibCal at https://gardencitypl.libcal.com/. For additional information contact Adult Services at (516)7428405 ext. 5236 or email speakingofbooks@gardencitypl.org.

Museum Pass Information Print From Home for Some

Passes!

Through the generosity of the Friends of the Garden City Public Library, the Library offers free passes to select museums and cultural institutions. You can make a reservation to borrow a Museum Pass from one of the member institutions in our Museum Pass Program.

Some museum passes are now available to print from home.  If you do not have access to a printer, the library will be happy to print the pass for you. These passes will be good for one day only.

Please note that not all museums participate. Passes for the following museums still need to be picked up at the Library: 9/11 Memorial & Museum, NYC (2 adults & 2 children); Empire Pass, Long Island Children’s Museum, Garden City (2 adults & 2 children); MoMA (the Museum of Modern Art), NYC (5 visitors) and Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Old Bethpage.

The following Library Museum Pass rules remain in effect.

Museum passes are available only to Garden City Public Library cardholders in good standing who have signed the Museum Pass User Agreement. Museum passes may be reserved in advance and must be checked out by an adult (18 years and older) family member. Reservations will be taken up to one month in advance of the desired date, subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be done in person at the Reference Desk or over the phone at 516-742-8405 x5236.

Additional rules and information are available at the library.

GCHS teachers create podcasts on history, government

GCHS students win awards in National German Exam

Garden City High School social studies teachers Mr. Mike Zagari, Mr. Kevin O’Hagan and Ms. Michele DeCollibus created their own history and government podcasts to engage students by bringing historical events and political discussions to life through dynamic storytelling and student involvement.

Mr. Zagari founded the U.S. History Underground podcast during the COVID pandemic as a means to engage students during remote learning. With the rising popularity of podcasts, students found them enjoyable and helpful for reviewing U.S. history topics. The podcast has since expanded to include a diverse range of series, such as the notable “APUSH on the Road,” which documents the historical landmarks the pair has visited. The U.S. History Underground podcast also features "Jam on History," which presents American history through the lens of music while aligning with the curriculum for the American History Soundtrack elective.

Mr. Zagari and Mr. O’Hagan write scripts together and aim to record and edit one podcast episode for each unit through Adobe Podcast and Canva. They brainstorm ideas and conduct research to create 8-15-minute episodes structed similarly to how students would approach a Document-Based Question by incorporating context about the historical period, primary and secondary sources and supplementary information beyond the documents utilized.

“Podcasting has been a great way to interact with students and provide resource material in the digital age,” said Mr. Zagari.

The success of the U.S. History Underground podcast led to the creation of other social studies podcasts for various classes such as government and criminal justice. Mr. O'Hagan and Ms. DeCollibus began recording podcast episodes with students for their AP Government classes earlier in the year to prepare for the 2024 election.

While sharing informational resources with students prior to the election, the pair realized that many students were still struggling to understand the issues and electoral process, so they decided a series of informative podcasts would be a great addition to the work produced

by the summer curriculum writing team. They wanted their podcasts to include student voices, so they tapped into the best resource, the AP Government students.

Mr. O’Hagan and Ms. DeCollibus asked six students to do preliminary research based on guiding questions and wrote a basic script for the podcast to provide context, leaving large blocks of time open for the students to report their findings. This gave the podcast a “roundtable interview ” impression, similar to one seen on a Sunday morning news program where experts are brought in to comment on the events of the day.

The initial podcast was a major success and continued with several more episodes over the following months, with each topic changing as the election approached. For the fifth episode, the students and teachers participated in a post-election debrief, and upcoming podcasts will focus on the current administration and Congress.

Podcasts are shared with all high school students through posts on their social studies class's Google Classrooms and through a QR code posted in the social studies hallway.

All student participants have enjoyed the experience, and it has given them greater ownership and knowledge over topics discussed. Mr. O’Hagan and Ms. DeCollibus hope this experience reminds them that “being an informed citizen is not just a privilege that one has living in an open and democratic society, but it's also an obligation if we expect it to remain open and democratic.”

“I've been so pleased to see how even students who tend to be more reserved in class have been able to find their voice by participating in these podcasts,” said Mr. O’Hagan.

“I love how the reading, writing, editing and speaking skills that we are always trying to develop in our students are strengthened through this very modern approach to communication.”

“Participating in these podcasts over the past few months has made me hopeful for the future,” said Ms. DeCollibus. “Our students have been so incredibly respectful towards one another and the level of discourse, even among students with differing points of view, which is a powerful lesson for us all.”

Advertise in our papers!

If you own a business or have a service to provide, we’ll create professional ads to promote it and help you be seen by thousands of local readers! Call 1-516-294-8900 to inquire!

Garden City High School students who earned accolades in the National German Exam.

Each year, the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) sponsors the National German Exam, which is administered to nearly 22,000 high school students in the second, third and fourth level of German. The exam provides German teachers with individual diagnostic feedback, promotes language proficiency in the study of German, and rewards students for their accomplishments. The National German Exam honors student performance with Gold, Silver, Bronze Awards, and achievement awards.

Congratulations to Frau Basile’s high school German students who participated in the National German Exam and earned accolades.

Gold awards were earned by:, Sarah Phinney (11th grade), Susanna Phinney (9th grade).

Silver awards were earned by: , Justin Woodbine (12th grade), Mariella Parlanti (9th grade),

Sonakshi Arora (9th grade).

Bronze awards were earned by: Leila Massina (12th grade), James Trocchia (12th grade), Liam Rogers (9th grade), Margot Hearon (9th grade).

Achievement awards were earned by: Wolfgang Ullrrich (9th grade), Annabeth Anci (9th grade), Sophie Lippens (11th grade), Grant Lemieux (12th grade), Evan Rom (12th grade), Daniel Shohdy (12th grade), Sarah Pogozelski (11th grade), Sara Shamail (11th grade).

Two students were eligible for the AATG study trip award based upon their test score (scoring in the 90th percentile or higher). The students were:  Susanna Phinney (9th grade), Sarah Phinney (11th grade).

Congratulations to all of the Garden City high school German students and to their teacher, Frau Basile, for all of her hard work in preparing her students for these rigorous exams.

EPOA scholarship 2025

The Eastern Property Owners’ Association has announced that it will once again award a $1000 scholarship for 2025 to a graduating high school senior who resides in the Eastern section.

The candidates, or their family, must be dues paying members of the EPOA.  They must be currently attending public or private high school and plan to attend college full time in the fall.  The focus of this

scholarship is community service. Candidates need to submit an application which can be accessed from the EPOA website at www. gcepoa.org or obtained from the Garden City High School Guidance Department.  Should you have a question, you can call Barbara Garry at 516-248-1486.

All interested, eligible seniors are encouraged to apply.  The deadline for applications is April 16, 2025.

GCHS students succeed at Science Olympiad competition

The Garden City High School Science Olympiad team.

Garden City High School’s Garden City Team A placed 13th out of 43 teams at the 2025 NYS Science Olympiad Nassau East Regional competition. This year, the group welcomed many new members while returning students worked hard to improve their event scores, and the school competed with three teams for the first time.

In addition to placing 13th overall, students earned medals in 10 different events across multiple disciplines.

Congratulations to the following:

• Sarah Phinney and Sara

Shamail: 5th place, Chemistry Lab

• Jeffrey Li and Claire Wu: 5th place, Dynamic Planet

• Hunter Maguire and Annika Margolies: 6th place, Ecology

• Minyi Huang and Letao Tao: 7th place, Entomology

• Kaitlyn McDonald and Ashley Wang: 8th place, Disease Detectives

• Jeffrey Li and Hunter Maguire: 8th place, Geologic Mapping

• Sarah Phinney and Sara Shamail: 10th place, Code Busters

• Chloe Lin and Tiffany Zhang: 10th place, Experimental Design

• Amy Xiao and Claire Wu: 10th place, Microbe Mission

• Jeffrey Li and Sara Shamail: 10th place, Helicopter

Congratulations to the Science Olympiad students and co-advisers Tori

Flaherty and Charles Hager on this achievement. The next regional competition will be held in February 2026, bringing another exciting opportunity for students to showcase their skills, compete against top teams and continue their passion for science.

Photos courtesy of the Garden City School District

Literacy and Mathematics Family Fun Night

On Feb. 26, Garden City hosted their Elementary Literacy and Mathematics Family Fun Night at Stratford School. The night included 11 teacher facilitated literacy and mathematics workshop sessions and six independent learning experiences, and students and families had the opportunity to select three of their choosing.

Literacy session offerings included letters of love, where students and families crafted personalized letters to loved ones; iSpy phonics, during which students completed iSpy challenges aligned with individual phonics skills; and word stack, where students used 10 cups labeled with different letters to build word towers.

For mathematics, sessions included addition and subtraction fact frenzy, a twist on the classic game Jenga, multiplication baseball, where parents and students teamed up to master tricky multiplica-

tion facts and math marvels through the captivating game “24.”

Independent learning experiences took place in Stratford’s brand new library, which was filled with stations such as storytime online read alouds, an estimation station and bookmark making. Students and families learned about the PARP (parents as reading partners) program, which has been taking place throughout the year, through PTA members.

"It was wonderful to see families engaged in handson literacy and mathematics activities, learning and having fun together,” said  Christina Cardella, director of mathematics and STEAM, and Lauren Kaufman, director of literacy K–12. “We are grateful to our student volunteers, PARP, and our incredible teachers for facilitating such interactive workshops and creating a memorable experience for everyone!"

Garden City High School students at the 2025 NYS Science Olympiad Nassau East Regional Competition.

Garden City students and their families participated in Elementary Literacy and Mathematics Family Fun Night.

Photo courtesy of the Garden City School District

THE OFFICE CAT THI S WEEK AT ROTARY

From page 31

Threatening phone calls

Garden City Police responded on March 4 to a report of a victim receiving threatening phone calls.

Fire alarms set off by error

On March 4, firefighters and police responded to multiple fire alarms, one activated by burnt food and two triggered in error.

Mail theft

A male subject wearing a gray hoodie was seen on surveillance footage removing items from a residential mailbox on Adams Street on March 4. The individual fled in a gray pickup driven by

another male subject.

Malfunctioning elevator

Firefighters were dispatched on March 4 to investigate a report of a malfunctioning elevator and found it to be fully operational upon arrival.

Drug Take Back Program

On March 4, thirty pounds of medications collected through the Drug Take Back Program were officially disposed of.

Unlicensed operation

A motorist on Ring Road was charged on March 4 with unlicensed operation and running a red light.

Move Better, Hurt Less: The Overlooked Key to Staying Active

BY AHMED AHMED

Have you ever felt like one side of your body moves better than the other?

Your body is designed to move relatively symmetrically…

And the further away it is from symmetry…

The more pain, tightness, and movement limitations will stop you from doing dayto-day activities with ease.

Now, if you want to avoid that…

Symmetry of range of motion is key to keeping your body pain-free, limber, and capable!

Range of motion is how far a joint can move in a specific direction…

Want to test your range of motion symmetry?

Try this!

1) Sit in a chair.

2) Put your arms across your chest.

3) Turn your body as far as you can to the right and hold that position for a couple of seconds. Bring your awareness to how far you moved.

4) Repeat on the left.

If you moved further to one direction, then you just discovered a range of motion difference!

Often, the reason you have more

range of motion on one side is because you have more strength there.

So, the solution to getting your range of motion closer to symmetrical is improving your strength on the side that moves less.

The good news is…

You can do this in seconds through the power of potentiation!

Which just means teaching your muscles how to contract better.

If you felt more limited on one side from the exercise above, here’s how you can potentiate it…

Twist as far as you can go to that side…

And then squeeze your abs in that position for 5 seconds!

Repeat that twice more.

Now, test again to see if you still notice that difference.

Remember, symmetry is key to moving with confidence and strengthening can get you there!

Remember exercise is key to lifelong strength and independence. Try these tips today!Ahmed Ahmed is the owner of Lotus Fitness. Contact him at (646)415-2349 or ahmed@lotusfitnessny. com https://lotusfitnessny.com/

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Litmor Publishing's Community Newspapers

2-Years in the U.S. Peace Corps - Tina O’Keeffe Reports

Last week we told of Fellow Rotarian Tina O’Keeffe’s talk for Mineola-Garden City, next Tuesday, March 11, 12:15 at Mineola’s Davenport Press Restaurant, 73 Main Street, Mineola.

We reported that Tina would speak of her experiences about her two years in the U.S. Peace Corps in 2002 - just before she and her future husband Tom were married and when they were assigned to the Economic Development Program in Ukraine at the Lviv Employment Center.

We said that during her two years in Ukraine, Tina helped open the first youth hostel in Lviv where she wrote and published an internet training manual still in existing today, secured grants and founded a youth Leadership Program also still in existence.

Tom worked at the Lviv Credit Union, the Ukrainian Catholic University and helped to start their Non-Profit Management Program which continues to flourish as part of the UCU Institute of Leadership and Management.

But, that’s not all you will learn about the O’Keeffe’s far-reaching time in the Peace Corps! Tina and Tom visited dozens of Ukrainian cities learning about their culture and history. They also visited many other countries such as Russia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Germany, Spain, the UK and Egypt – a multi-country Peace Corps adventure!

Please join Rotary next Tuesday to hear Tina O’Keeffe’s engaging story and to enjoy a great Davenport lunch (Fee $40 payable at the door.) To register, please visit mineolagardencityrotaryclub.com.

Working Together in Service

Kiwanis Club of Garden City’s St. Patrick’s Luncheon – Next Thursday,

Tina and Tom O’Keeffe visiting Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle, a Ukrainian fortress while serving in the U.S, Peace Corps in 2003.

March 13. A “World Famous” Garden City original at the Garden City Hotel. RotaCare – Free Health Care for those in need, Mineola-Garden City Rotary, a creator. Support its Caregivers Ball on Thursday, April 10 at the Inn at New Hyde Park.

Mineola-Garden City Rotary –“Service Above Self.” Help Celebrate 100th Year Anniversary at its Holiday and Community Awards Dinner, December 17, Stewart Manor Country Club.

Upcoming Speaker Dates

March 25, 12:15 pm – Lunch Meeting, Mineola’s Davenport Press restaurant. Shannon Boyle, guest speaker, New Ground organization serving Veterans. April 8, 8 am – Breakfast Meeting, Carle Place Diner. Speaker TBA April 22, 12:15pm – Mineola’s Davenport Pres restaurant. Congresswoman Laura Gillen, guest speaker.

Rotarians attending the Lunch meeting are pictured with guest speaker, NC Legislator John Giuffre, on February 25. Seated from left: Meg Norris, Vice President; Tina O’Keeffe secretary; Diana O’Neill, President and Althea Robinson, Publicity Chair. Standing from left: Randy Colahan, CSA Honoree; Martin Lord, Sergeant at Arms; Diane Marmann, Past President & AG; NC Legislator John Giuffre; Joanne Meyer-Jendras Scholarship/Service Chair and Jim Brady, Past President.

Photo by Holden Jay Photography

Ahmed Ahmed

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of Aunty Shan. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/01/2025.

Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Joshua Renfroe: 42 Orleans Rd, Valley Stream, NY 11581. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE TO BIDDERS BOARD OF EDUCATION

Garden City Union Free School District

PUBLIC NOTICE: is hereby given for separate sealed bids for: New Parking Lot at the Stewart School Bids will be received by the School District, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Administration Office, 56 Cathedral Avenue, Garden City, New York, 11530, and at said time and place publicly opened and read aloud.

The Contract Documents may be examined at the Office of the Architect, BBS Architects, Landscape Architects and Engineers, P.C., 244 East Main Street, Patchogue New York, (631-475-0349); however the Contract Documents may only be obtained thru the Office of Biddy c/o Lohrius Blueprint, 226 Newtown Road, Plainview, NY 11803 (516-465-2880) beginning on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Complete digital sets of Contract Documents shall be obtained online (with a free user account) as a download for a non-refundable fee of One-Hundred ($100.00) Dollars at the following website: bbs.biddyhq.com Optionally, in lieu of digital copies, hard copies may be obtained directly from Biddy upon a deposit of One-Hundred ($100.00) Dollars for each complete set. Checks for deposits shall be made payable to the DISTRICT, GARDEN CITY UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT and may be uncertified. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at the above referenced websites. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. Plan holders who have obtained hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda. The bid deposit for hard copies will be returned upon receipt of plans and specifications, in good condition, within thirty days after bid date, except for the lowest responsible bidder, whose check will be forfeited upon the award of the contract.

The Contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder or the proposals will be rejected within 45 days of the date of opening proposals. Bids shall be subject, however, to the discretionary right reserved by the School District to waive any informalities, accept or reject any alternatives, reject any proposals and to advertise for new proposals, if in its opinion the best interest of the School District will thereby be promoted.

Each bidder may not withdraw his bid within 45 days after the formal opening thereof. A bidder may withdraw his bid only in writing and prior to the bid opening date.

By Order of:

The Board of Education

Garden City Union Free School District

Invitation to Bidders BOARD OF EDUCATION

NASSAU COUNTY BID NOTICE

Garden City Union Free School District

PUBLIC NOTICE:  is hereby given for separate sealed bids for: Additions and Alterations to the Garden City High School. Bids will be received by the School District, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Administration Office, 56 Cathedral Avenue, Garden City, New York, 11530, and at said time and place publicly opened and read aloud.

The Contract Documents may be examined at the Office of the Architect, BBS Architects, Landscape Architects and Engineers, P.C., 244 East Main Street, Patchogue New York, (631-475-0349); however the Contract Documents may only be obtained thru the Office of Biddy c/o Lohrius Blueprint, 226 Newtown Road, Plainview, NY 11803 (516-465-2880) beginning on Thursday, March 6, 2025.  Complete digital sets of Contract Documents shall be obtained online (with a free user account) as a download for a non-refundable fee of One-Hundred ($100.00) Dollars at the following website: bbs.biddyhq.com.  Optionally, in lieu of digital copies, hard copies may be obtained directly from Biddy upon a deposit of One-Hundred ($100.00) Dollars for each complete set. Checks for deposits shall be made payable to the DISTRICT, GARDEN CITY UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT and may be uncertified.  All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at the above referenced websites. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs.  Plan holders who have obtained hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda.  The bid deposit for hard copies will be returned upon receipt of plans and specifications, in good condition, within thirty days after bid date, except for the lowest responsible bidder, whose check will be forfeited upon the award of the contract. A non-mandatory pre-bid site walk through is scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at the Garden City High School located at 170 Rockaway Avenue, Garden City, New York, 11530.

The Contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder or the proposals will be rejected within 45 days of the date of opening proposals.  Bids shall be subject, however, to the discretionary right reserved by the School District to waive any informalities, accept or reject any alternatives, reject any proposals and to advertise for new proposals, if in its opinion the best interest of the School District will thereby be promoted.

NASSAU COUNTY LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NASSAU.   THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS INC., ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-16, Plaintiffagainst- CHRISTOPHER J. LENNON, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated January 2, 2025 and entered on January 8, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court "Rain or Shine" located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Garden City, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as SBL# 33-326-96

Said premises known as 57 DARTHMOUTH ST., GARDEN CITY, NY 11530

Approximate amount of lien $2,171,885.88 plus interest & costs.

{* GARDEN CIT*} One ad can go so far...

Each bidder may not withdraw his bid within 45 days after the formal opening thereof.  A bidder may withdraw his bid only in writing and prior to the bid opening date.

By Order of:

The Board of Education

Garden City Union Free School District

Dated: March 7, 2025

Advertise your services in our Professional Guide or Service Directory today and be seen in these five newspapers:

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 004195/2007. SCOTT SILLER, ESQ., Referee Pincus Law Group, PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556

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LEGAL NOTICES

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF GARDEN CITY

GARDEN CITY, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK

NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL ESTATE FOR UNPAID 2024 VILLAGE TAXES

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on March 14, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Village Hall, 351 Stewart Avenue, in the Village of Garden City, New York, pursuant to direction of the Board of Trustees of said Village, I, the undersigned, Treasurer of said Village, will sell the following described real estate in said Village together with any improvements thereon, to discharge the unpaid 2024 Village tax, interest and other charges which may be due thereon at the time of the sale. Such real estate will be sold subject to any unpaid assessments thereon levied by said Village prior to the date of such sale and any unpaid tax liens for years prior to 2024 purchased and held by said Village, and subject to the provisions of the New York State and Federal Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, as amended, insofar as the same may be applicable to the owners of any said following described real estate. Purchasers will be required to pay the amount of their respective bids to the undersigned within ten days after the sale, pursuant to the provisions of Section 1454 of the Real Property Tax Law of the State of New York, as amended, and upon such payment shall receive a written certificate of sale describing the real estate purchased and the sum paid therefor. Please be advised that the Incorporated Village of Garden City intends to bid-in for any and all parcels to be sold at this year’s sale. Therefore, any and all tax liens sold at this sale will become village-owned tax liens

The following is a list or statement of the real estate upon which such 2024 tax is unpaid, with the amount of such 2024 tax, together with interest and other charges due thereon to March 14, 2025.

Garden City, New York March 7, 2025

The Incorporated Village of Garden City does not discriminate on the basis of disability for admission to, access to, or participation in its programs, activities or public meetings, and has designated Kelly Galanek, Village Clerk, as Disability Compliance Coordinator. Persons in need of any special accommodation for a disability who wish to attend a meeting should contact Kelly Galanek at least 24 hours in advance of meeting at:

351 Stewart Avenue Garden City, New York 11530 (5l6)465-4051 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of XOXROBINXOX LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/05/2025. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to ROBIN SOHN: 156 Woodmere Blvd. South Woodmere NY 11598. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE TO BIDDERS NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Notice is hereby given that bids for the following will be received at the Garden City Union Free School District, 56 Cathedral Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530 until 10:30 am on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at which time and place bids will be opened and read aloud for “PRINTING AND MAILING OF THE SCHOOL CALENDAR” 2025-2026

Copies of the specifications and instructions may be obtained at the aforesaid Business Office between the hours of 8:30 am through 4pm Monday – Friday up to the time of the bid opening.

Dana DiCapua Asst. Supt. for Business and Finance

Garden City Union Free School

District

NASSAU COUNTY NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Notice is hereby given that bids for the following will be received at the Garden City UFSD, Business Office, 56 Cathedral Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530 until 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025 at which time and place bids will be opened and read aloud.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT REPAIRS 2025-2026

Copies of the specifications and instructions may be obtained at the aforesaid Business Office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. through 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday up to the time of the bid opening.

Dana DiCapua Asst. Supt for Business & Finance

Garden City Union Free School District

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LEGAL NOTICES

NASSAU COUNTY LEGAL NOTICE AVISO LEGAL INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF GARDEN CITY INCORPORADO VILLA DE GARDEN CITY

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 15-104 (3)(c) of the Election Law, the following matters are designated and set forth in relation to the General Village Election for 2025: SE DA AVISO QUE, de conformidad con la Sección 15-104 (3) (c) de la Ley Electoral, los siguientes asuntos se designan y establecen en relación con la Elección General de Aldeas para 2025:

A.    The General Village Election for 2025 shall be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

A.    Las elecciones generales de la aldea para 2025 se llevarán a cabo el Martes 18 de Marzo de 2025.

B.    The polls shall be open from 12 o'clock noon to 9:00 o'clock in the evening.

B.    Las urnas estarán abiertas desde las 12:00 en punto del mediodía hasta las 9:00 en punto de la noche.

C.    The General Village Election shall be held at St. Paul’s, 295 Stewart Avenue, in said Village.

C.    La elección general de la aldea se llevará a cabo en St. Paul’s, 295 Stewart Avenue, en dicho Villa.

D.    The names and addresses of all those who have been duly nominated and the office and term for which they have been so nominated are as follows:

D.    Los nombres y direcciones de todos aquellos que han sido debidamente nominados y el cargo y plazo para el que han sido nominado son los siguientes:

Community Agreement Party

TITLE OF                  TERM OF        NAME OF

ADDRESS OF OFFICE                     OFFICE           OF NOMINEES                       NOMINEES

Mayor

2 Years           Edward T. Finneran                301 Franklin Avenue

Trustee                      2 Years           Michele Beach Harrington     124 Whitehall Boulevard

Trustee                      2 Years           Richard A. Catalano               82 Whitehall Boulevard

Trustee

Village Justice

2 Years           Yvonne Varano                       20 First Street

4 Years           Allen S. Mathers

Partido del Acuerdo Comunitario TÍTULO DE

PLAZA DE       NOMBRE

111 Cherry Valley Avenue

DIRECCIÓN DE LA OFICINA                OFICINA          DE NOMINADOS                   NOMINADOS

Alcalde

Fiduciario

Fiduciario

Fiduciario

Dos Años        Edward T. Finneran                301 Franklin Avenue

Dos Años        Michele Beach Harrington     124 Whitehall Boulevard

Dos Años        Richard A. Catalano               82 Whitehall Boulevard

Dos Años        Yvonne Varano

Justicia de la aldea     Cuatro Años    Allen S. Mathers

KELLY GALANEK, Village Clerk, Secretaria de la Villa

20 First Street

111 Cherry Valley Avenue

The Incorporated Village of Garden City does not discriminate on the basis of disability for admission to, access to, or participation in its programs, activities or public meetings, and has designated Kelly Galanek, Village Clerk, Disability Compliance Coordinator.  Persons in need of any special accommodation for a disability who wish to attend a meeting should contact Kelly Galanek at least 24 hours in advance of meeting at: Incorporado Villa de Garden City no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad para la admisión, acceso o participación en sus programas, actividades o reuniones públicas, y ha designado a Kelly Galanek, Secretaria de la Villa, Coordinadora de Cumplimiento de Discapacidades. Las personas que necesiten algún alojamiento especial para una discapacidad que deseen asistir a una reunión deben comunicarse con Kelly Galanek al menos 24 horas antes de la reunión en: 351 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York 11530, (516) 465-4051,8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

NASSAU COUNTY

NOTICE OF HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Garden City, New York, will hold a public hearing at the Village Hall, 351 Stewart Avenue, in said Village as well as via Zoom at 7:30 p.m. on the 20th day of March 2025, upon the following proposed local law: A Local Law to Amend Section 188 of the Village Code with Regard to Trees.

LOCAL LAW NO.  3 OF 2025

BE IT ENACTED BY THE VILLAGE OF GARDEN CITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES AS FOLLOWS:

The Code of the Village of Garden City Chapter 188. Trees, shall be amended as follows:

Section 1.  Section 188-5. “Penalties for offenses” shall be deleted.

Section 2.  A new Article IA. entitled “Planting on Private Property” shall be added as follows:

Section 188-5. Planting on Private Property

Upon submission of the appropriate paperwork, the Chairman, Board of Commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs or his designee may, at the request of the property owner, plant an appropriate size and species of tree on the front lawn of private property. Thereafter, the responsibility for the care, pruning and removal of the tree, if needed, is the sole responsibility of the property owner.

Section 3.  Article II. “Infested trees and shrubs” shall be revised to read: “Article II.  Infested, Dead, or Dangerous Trees, Shrubs and Bushes”

Section 4.  Section 188-6. “Infestations prohibited” shall be revised to read as follows:

Section 188-6.  Conditions prohibited.

Section 5.  The text under current Section 188-6 shall be renumbered as 188-6.A

Section 6.  A new Section 188-6.B shall be added as follows:

B.  It shall be unlawful for owner, lessee or occupant of any lot or land to permit any dead or dangerous trees, shrubs or bushes, or parts thereof on their property.

Section 7.  A new Section 188-6.C shall be added as follows:

C.  A dead or dangerous tree is defined as any tree or part thereof on private property in the Village that is either dead, diseased, decayed, damaged or, due to other causes, in such a state that there exists a clear and present danger of said tree or any part thereof falling so that the free, safe, and lawful usage of the land by the public would be impaired or endangered and/or cause a dangerous condition to public land or public right-of-way.

Section 8.  The text under current Section 188-7 shall be renumbered as 188-7.A

Section 9.  A new Section 188-7.B shall be added as follows:

B.  It shall be the duty of any owner, lessee or occupant of any lot or land to remove any dead or dangerous shrubs or bushes, or parts thereof on their property to comply with provisions of Section 1886.B hereof.

Section 10. A new Section 188-7.1 shall be added as follows:

Section 188-7.1 Permit required.

No person or persons, firm or corporation shall destroy or remove a tree as set forth in Section 188-7 without first obtaining a permit therefore issued by the Chairman, Board of Commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs or his designee.

Section 11. A new Section 188-8.C shall be added as follows:

C.  If the person upon whom the notice is served fails, neglects or refuses to remove any dead or dangerous trees, shrubs or bushes, or part thereof, with five days after such service or mailing of such notice, the Chairman, Board of Commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs of the Village or his designee, shall undertake such work and the cost thereof as certified by the Chairman or his designee to the Clerk of the Village and shall thereupon become and be a lien upon the property on which such dead or dangerous trees, shrubs or bushes are located and shall be added to and become and form a part of the taxes to be assessed and levied upon such lot or land and shall bear in interest at the same rate as taxes and collected and enforced in the same manner as taxes.

Section 12. Section 188-10.  Definitions. - is hereby amended so that the definition of Tree shall read as follows:

TREE

Any living upright wood plant with its root system, which has at least a trunk of 2 ½ inches in diameter or greater at a height of 4 ½ feet above the ground.

Section 13.      Section 188-12 entitled “Protection of Trees” shall be added as follows:

Anyone performing any work in the Village must provide   adequate protection to avoid unsafe, hazardous and other conditions which may be potentially detrimental to any Village tree, in accordance with tree protection specifications on file with the Village Department of Parks and Recreation.

Section 14. A new Article IV entitled “Penalties For Offenses” shall be added as follows:

Section 188-13. Penalties for offenses.

A.    Any violation of the provisions of this Chapter shall render each offender liable to a fine as set forth from time to time by resolution of the Board of Trustees.

B.    In addition to any fines hereunder, the Village reserves the right to seize, remove and dispose of any planting in violation of this Chapter.

Section 15. In this Chapter, the title “Chairman, Board of Commissioners of Cultural and Recreational Affairs or his designee,” shall replace “Director of Public Works” and “Director.”

Section 16. Effective date

This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon filing in the office of the New York Secretary of State in accordance with Municipal Home Rule Law.

Caregivers Ball

RotaCare, a service which provides free healthcare for people in need, will be holding its annual Caregivers Ball on Thursday, April 10, at the Inn at New Hyde Park. The ball will honor Dr. Francis Faustino, chairman of the Department of Family Medicine at NYU Langone, and Tom Crowly, the immediate past district governor of Rotary District 7255.

Founded in 1992 by members of the Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club, RotaCare was created to serve the needs of the uninsured on Long Island.  Working with the Mary Brennan Interfaith Nutrition Network in Hempstead,  volunteers recognized that, in addition to food, the medical needs of their clients were not being met adequately by the health care system.

Through the collaborative efforts of the Rotary Club, local health care professionals, area residents and an initial grant from Grumman Corporation, a   “MASH” team was formed to operate weekly at the INN's soup kitchen.  RotaCare was born.

When more space became necessary, RotaCare moved to the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility in

Uniondale in January 2009.  A staff of doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, clerical staff and translators volunteered and continue to give selflessly of their time and talent to help uninsured individuals and families receive access to vital health care services. As a result of its integral involvement and benefit to the community, RotaCare Incorporated as a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization and became  a Rotary District 7250 project.

In September of 2022, RotaCare leased new space at a location in Hempstead. This 2,500 sq ft facility houses an EKG, equipment for nurses to perform more specialized testing and a medical supply room for distribution to patients on-site. Approximately 40 volunteers have the space they need to provide excellent care. Since its inception, RotaCare has been supported by concerned companies, organizations, individuals and grants to sustain its good works and benefits to the community by facilitating free health care to people in need.

To obtain more information about Rotacare, you can go to their website at www.rotacareny.org

March 7, 2025

Travel Trends: Industry Responds to Growing Demand for Purposeful, Mindful, Experiential Travel

BY KAREN RUBIN TRAVEL FEATURES SYNDICATE GOINGPLACESFARANDNEAR.COM

A clear indication that the economy is (and has been) strong is how robust the demand and spending for travel has been and is anticipated to be for 2025. Americans are traveling in surging, even record numbers, looking further afield, being more purposeful, mindful in their quest for life-changing, life-enhancing experiences, giving truth to the adage: it is the journey, not the destination.

In fact, special events – like the Taylor Swift Eras concert tour, the Paris Olympics, Formula 1, even the Total Eclipse of the Sun– are driving travel purchases, with people building trips around the events.

“People are traveling for their passions, for experiences - lifestyle, activity, food,. entertainment, adventure,” observed Mandy Gill, Marriott International’s Vice President Global Marketing, US & Canada, at the Travel Media Summit. She was among the travel professionals who cited Taylor Swift’s Eras tour as a major boost to business in 2024; indeed, the tour -149 shows across 51 cities and 21 countriessold 10,168,008 tickets, totaling $2.1 billion (boosting the GDP of countries), making it the highest-grossing tour in history.

Some 12 million people traveled into the path of totality that crossed 15 states to experience the once-ina-lifetime April 8, 2024 solar eclipse – making it the largest mass travel event in the United States in 2024.

“Travelers increasingly are look-

Discovery Bicycle Tours’ biking in Vietnam trip taps into an array of 2025 travel trends: the desire for purposeful, mindful, experiential travel that immerses you in local people’s lives, culture and environment, that maximizes the benefit and minimizes the damage of tourism and that focuses on emerging destinations which also afford value for dollar © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

ing for alternative and authentic destinations, new destinations and adventure travel,” said Erik Evjen, Executive Vice President, Tourism Economics, at the 2025 Travel Media Summit. “Whereas in the past, people would go to a hotel, now they go for ‘what is important to me.’”

“What is important to me” is increasingly determined by “influencers” and social media,

Influencers are the new power brokers in travel, playing a critical role in shaping consumer decisions, noted Rashaad Jorden at the Skift Megatrends event in New York. “Platforms like Expedia have already integrated influencer marketing into their booking process,

allowing curated recommendations to be directly bookable. Kayak plans to employ a mass-market approach, enabling users to share their favorite destinations on social media and earn rewards if bookings are made through their recommendations.

Influencers are also playing a huge role in stimulating travel by specific interest groups, including Black, women. solo travelers, and travelers with disabilities who now have access to information about places and programs that serve their interest. This in turn, is prodding companies to accommodate these travelers. Even Googlemaps is now taking disability into account in providing directions, thanks to Googler

Sasha Blair Goldenson, who became wheelchair bound after an accident , so you can now activate a toggle on Googlemaps app to access 55 million accessible locations.

The AI enhancements that are being incorporated into travel planning apps and making travel experiences accessible. “AI is enabling travel companies to tap into social media as a performance marketing channel,” Jordan said.

Travel companies are responding to the interest in “experiential travel” that affords opportunities to become immersed in culture, connected with local people and actively engaged in the environment. Companies like Earthwatch (earthwatch. org), Audley Travel (audleytravel. com), Exodus Adventure Tours (exodustravels.com), and Village Experience (experiencethevillage. com) build their programs around experiential travel, while others incorporate immersive experiences – biking (Discovery Bicycle Tours, VBT Biking, Backroads), hiking (Wildland Trekking, Backroads, REI, G Adventures), walking (Country Walkers, Classic Journeys), camping, adventure, ecotourism (Wild Frontiers), and indigenous tourism (Discover Aboriginal Experiences, discoveraboriginalexperiences.com) – fundamentally provide these experiences.

Travelers are also increasingly looking for sustainable, responsible travel– in hotels, tours, and destinations, and to avoid feeling guilty about contributing to the destructive impacts of overtourism (but beware “green-washing”). Dubbed “mindful

Continued on next page

Travel Trends: Industry Responds to Growing Demand for Purposeful,

Continued from previous page

tourism,” these travelers look to avoid the guilt of destroying the most highly priced “bucket list” destinations by looking more to spreading visits to what used to be called “the off season” (there almost isn’t an off-season anymore), and relatively “new,” “unexplored,” and “off-the-beaten” track (though even these are becoming well visited) and “detour” destinations (places within three hours of the popular destination. The added benefit is traveling when places are less crowded and cheaper (better value), especially as price is being used to mitigate over-crowding, as well as the enjoyment of being in the vanguard with photos and social media posts.

“With over-tourism putting pressure on major cities, travelers are increasingly turning to lesser-known, less traveled destinations for more authentic and mindful experiences,” said Maryanne Sparkes of European Waterways, in fact helped by the availability of technology that assists with translation, directions, money exchange and facilitates interactions while relieving the anxiety of traveling where English is not common. “Places like Albania, Greenland, and Uzbekistan are really having a moment.”

Despite the desire to generate tourism revenue, governments, destinations and travel suppliers are also becoming more focused on regulations and policies promoting sustainable, responsible tourism out of realization that overtourism will literally kill their golden goose. Places like Machu Picchu, the Galapagos, many national parks, and experiences like swimming with whales in Australia, are limiting permits, requiring advance capacity controlled reservations, and increasing fees, while the limited spaces means higher rates for accommodation, which is itself a form of regulating access.

“Sustainability is no longer just a

buzzword—it’s become essential in travel. We’re seeing airlines investing in sustainable fuels and working to offset their carbon emissions, which is such an important step. Hotels are also stepping up, with more achieving certifications like LEED and Green Globe, and even entire ‘green resorts’ running on renewable energy while promoting eco-friendly practices,” Sparkes noted.

“We have to protect what we love.. We have to think ahead in terms of sustainability, environmentally friendly way to operate ships, and future of cruising,” Lasse A. Vangstein, Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer of Havila Voyages said at the Travel Media Summit. “We borrow nature. If future generations want to experience, we need to make a conscious choice how to showcase and spread tourism,”

Concern for the health and wellness in a destination coincides with continued surging interest in health and wellness tourism as well as indigenous tourism experiences which blend together wellness and sustainability, nature and culture.

Slow travel is another trend that meshes with the desire for mindful, experiential, responsible, and sustainable travel: biking, hiking and walking vacations, river and canal cruises on barge hotels and train travel – that provide connections to local people and places and provide a kind of serenity and peace.

The travel industry’s embrace of AI will significantly aid travelers in their quest to find lesser traveled destinations as well as the experiences they crave and the value they want. At the same time, AI gives travel entities like indigenous tourism companies, small, special interest and niche operators and those lesser-known destinations access to customers and markets as never before – a win-win for mitigating the negative impacts of tourism while

maximizing the positive economic and social benefits that sustain communities, heritage and sites.

The concern for getting the most bang for the buck is sparking interest in all-inclusives – resorts, cruises, farm and ranch vacations, ski holidays and wellness trips. “There is a huge surge in the use of the all-inclusive filter on the hotels.com app,” noted Melanie Fish, Vice President of Global PR, Expedia Group Brands.

Booking apps like Expedia are also helping travelers save money such as flight price tracker: Expedia just launched a “flight deals departing near you” feature.

The travel industry is responding to another key trend: the surge in solo travel. Cruise companies are even offering single cabins and other options for solo cruisers; tour operators, like G Adventures (gaadventures.com), Wild Frontiers Travel (www.wildfrontierstravel.com), Road Scholar (roadscholar.org), Intrepid Travel (intrepidtravel. com), EF Go Ahead Tours (goaheadtours.com), Exodus Adventure Travels (exodustravels.com) and Western River Expeditions (westernriver.com) are offering some “solo traveler” departures, waiving the single supplement or offering to match single travelers with a companion. Indeed, solo travelers have discovered the benefits of joining smallgroup tours.

The rise in “solo travel” coincides with growing availability of women-only travel programs.

The industry is also addressing the surge in popularity of outdoor expeditions – especially travelers who want to be out in the wild but not give up their creature comforts. Marriott International, acquired Postcard Cabins, a brand of tiny cabins in the woods, “to bring the passion of outdoor travel more seamlessly to the consumer.” There has also been a rise in companies offering fully outfitted, luxury

Protein For Older Adults

BY CHARLYN FARGO

Can protein help you stay independent as you age?

Protein is known to slow the loss of muscle mass. Having enough muscle mass can help preserve the ability to perform daily activities and prevent disability. Older adults tend to have a lower protein intake than younger adults due to poorer health, reduced physical activity, changes in the mouth and teeth and changes in absorption.

Recently, a research team from the

United Kingdom studied whether eating more protein could contribute to helping people maintain independence. The study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Researchers used data from the Newcastle 85+ Study conducted in the United Kingdom. This study’s researchers approached all people turning 85 in 2006 in two cities in the U.K. for participation. At the beginning of the study in 2006-2007, there were 722 participants, 60% of whom were women. The participants provided researchers with information about what

camper vans, like Moterra Campervans (gomoterra.com) and Roadsurfer (roadsurfer.com), and glamping (luxury camping) with apps like GlampingHub. com, Glamping.com and hipcamp.com, as well as campgrounds of America (koa.com) and even Airbnb – a trend that took off during the COVID pandemic and has continued.

Cool-cations also are in hot demand, as people seek out destinations to avoid the worst impacts of global warming –golfing in Scotland instead of Phoenix or Miami.

The travel industry was projecting record demand in 2025 but that was before the Trump administration took a blowtorch to the economy, with mass firings and layoffs of federal workers, threats of tariffs that will cost millions of private-sector jobs and reignite inflation, while injecting insecurity and anxiety into society that has caused consumer confidence to plummet to the lowest levels in years..

When people are feeling financially insecure and are concerned about future economic prospects, they pull back on spending. Travelers are resilient and because there are infinite options, opportunities and choices to accommodate any budget, when the economy falls, find ways to scale back spending but still travel. They may substitute long-haul trips by air for shorter roadtrips by car; trade resort stays for Airbnb or a camping holiday; and look for value destinations where the dollar goes further.

Indeed, the travel industry, adept at yield management, is also resilient and can be expected to respond to any drop in bookings with incentives, discounts and deals.

© 2025 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com

they ate every day, their body weight and height measurements, their overall health assessment (including any level of disability) and their medical records.

The researchers learned that 28% of older adults in North-East England had protein intakes below the recommended dietary allowance. The researchers noted that older adults who have more chronic health conditions may also have different protein requirements. Researchers examined the impact of protein intake on the

Continued on page 5

Finding friendships in some unexpected places

BY CLAIRE LYNCH

One thing I’ve discovered over the years is that friends come in all different sizes, heights and shapes. I’ve also made some new friends when I’ve least expected it - and at some unexpected places. it just seems to be the way it goes.

Someone I’ve thought about a lot recently is an old landlord of mine who in time became a friend. Bill and his wife, Joanie, owned a house in Woodmere and after graduating from college and starting to work full-time I rented the second floor of their house. Bill and Joanie had three children who at that point were teenagers. The kids had their everyday routines and each summer they worked part-time jobs.

Commuting to Manhattan each day, Bill got to know my Monday to Friday routine. I worked 9-5 so by 7:15 a.m. I was leaving the house to walk the three blocks to the Woodmere LIRR station. I was like clockwork because if I missed that train it meant I’d be late for work and that wouldn’t be good.

In the nice weather walking to and from the LIRR station was a pleasure but when the cold winds and snow of winter arrived Bill did something unexpected - he started his car on the driveway, warmed it up and invited me to hop in. Driving me to the LIRR station, I’d sit in the car until we saw the train approaching then I’d get out and head for a day in the city.

I told him I appreciated those rides and Bill said it was no problem since he was retired. Joanie did part-time work as a seamstress out of their finished basement and boy was she good at what she did. Since Joanie was occupied a large part of

the time Bill looked for things to do and what he and I discovered was a shared love of writers and literature. He knew I was an English major and worked as a public relations writer so in no time at all we talked about writers he’d read and loved over the years.

Was I familiar with the works of James Joyce, Cormac McCarthy and William Faulkner? Yes, I’d read most of what Bill talked about and enjoyed talking about the strengths and weaknesses of each writer.

Asking Bill if he’d read Harper Lee, Flannery O’Connor and Emily Dickinson he said yes so we engaged in those discussions. He liked Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” and O’Connor’s “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” plus several of her other short stories. While he respected Emily Dickinson, she wasn’t his favorite writer.

In our many chats while waiting for the LIRR train to arrive Bill told me that he’d been a salesman for white goods - washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers and more. In his free time he loved to read and when he grew tired of that he’d stay up late watching the news then Johnny Carson on TV. Eventually we got onto other subjects - Bill had worked in Queens before marrying Joanie and starting a family so he told me about that.

A couple of times Bill mentioned how much he liked our chats about books and writers because his family wasn’t familiar with the works of James Joyce, Cormac McCarthy and William Faulkner. Sometimes we disagreed in our opinions but that was okay because they were well thought out opinions.

One warm spring day when I was

A GREENER VIEW

Vegetable Garden Seeds

BY JEFF RUGG

Q: I was digging around in the back of my refrigerator and found a sealed package with leftover vegetable seeds from last year. There are some that are in the original packaging and some seeds in baggies that I harvested from a few tomatoes and peppers. How do I know if the seeds are still good? I don’t want to plant them and not have them grow when I could buy more seeds this year. Also, are the seeds at the stores reliable? I don’t seem to have good luck with them.

A: That is a good question with several parts to the answer. First, let me congratulate you for finding them before summer, which is when I find things that I should have found in spring. It is too early to plant seeds for most of us, but we need to be ready when the season starts. You can run a germination test to see how many normal seedlings start to grow. Seeds for sale must meet minimum

off from work Bill asked if I wanted to play pinochle and while I’d never played before, I said okay. We sat out back at their picnic table as Bill showed me the basics of the game. He had learned to play pinochle years ago when he was in the Navy and I had watched my grandfather play it in Brooklyn with friends at Prospect Park under some big old trees.

As much as I’d watched Grandpa Mike playing I never learned the game because I was young and I certainly wouldn’t have interrupted the men to ask about the rules of the game and why they played the cards they did. Discovering that pinochle is a game of bidding, melding and playing for tricks, I slowly caught on. Sometimes someone will “shoot the moon” so I had to learn what that meant in pinochle.

When I say Bill and I played pinochle I mean he explained the game to me. One day when I had a good grasp of it he asked Joanie to play because three people are good for pinochle not two so we got a good game going. Joanie ended up winning that day and on cold winter days Joanie, Bill and I would promise each other that we would play again in the spring at the picnic table under the shade of some big oak trees.

Most summers Bill would grill dinner outside in their back yard and many

times they would invite me to join the family. Barbecued chicken kebobs and beef kebobs were my favorite on summer days and later, as the sun set, Joanie, Bill, their kids and I would sit around chatting.

I lived in that apartment for 10 years and during those years their kids applied to college and thought about what they wanted to do in life. One by one they graduated from college, got engaged and married.

Eventually I moved to another apartment - away from my starter place and into a larger apartment with more square footage, windows and sunlight plus it was closer to my job. Joanie, Bill and I kept in touch for a while but I got busy with my demands at work and in time we lost touch.

Years later I heard that Bill and Joanie had sold their house in the Five Towns and moved to a condo on the west coast of Florida. Their daughter said they were enjoying their time with other retirees, many of whom had relocated from up north.

I no longer commute via LIRR trains but I have great memories of Bill and Joanie. Sometimes we discover friends in unexpected places.

federal and state germination standards, which are often printed on the packaging and range between 70% and 90%. Place 10 seeds between two damp paper towels and place the paper towels in a sealed plastic bag. After a few days to a week, see how many seeds have started to grow. If you get more than seven, then that is a good rate. See a short video on how to do this on the Greener View YouTube channel in the Vegetable Garden Playlist. Next, you can watch those seedlings or plant them in small pots to see how well they grow. If they are weak or spindly, then the seed vigor may not be very good, and they may not be worth planting in the garden.

Seed companies who are doing tests in big batches will check to see if there are any weed plants coming up with the seeds being tested, but you will not need to do that since they already have. One thing to remember about the seeds

Continued on page 5

Older People and Social Security Disability

BY TOM MARGENAU

I often feel guilty if I write a column that essentially repeats information I’ve given in past columns. But readers often remind me that I shouldn’t worry about that. For example, today I got an email that said something like this: “I know you’ve covered this topic before. But I’ve forgotten most of what you said, and now we are at the point where it applies to us, so could you repeat it?”

He was talking about senior citizens and Social Security disability benefits. Specifically, he said his wife has been getting disability benefits since her late 50s. As she is now reaching age 65, he asked when she should file for “real Social Security.”

Let me make a couple of points about that question. First of all, disability benefits are “real Social Security.” They are just as real as retirement benefits, widows benefits or any other kind of Social Security.

But of course, I knew what he meant. He was asking when his wife could file for Social Security retirement benefits. The answer is that she does not need to. Social Security disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits when a person reaches full retirement age.

This means a couple of months before this guy’s wife reaches her full retirement age, or FRA, she will receive a letter from the Social Security Administration telling her that she is being switched, at least on the SSA’s books, from the disability program to the retirement program. Other than that, the changeover will essentially be invisible to her, primarily due to the fact that her benefit amount remains the same. Why? Because a disability benefit pays the same rate as a full retirement age benefit.

Here is another lesson gleaned from this guy’s email. In his initial question, he told me that his wife was currently getting “SSI.” I was sure he was mixing up terms, so I wrote back and said, “I’ll bet your wife is getting Social Security disability benefits and not SSI.” He quickly responded and said that I was right.

People frequently confuse Social Security disability benefits with Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, but there is a huge difference. SSI is a federal welfare program that pays a small monthly stipend to poor people who are over age 65 or disabled. On the other hand, Social Security disability benefits are paid to people, rich or poor, as long as they have worked and paid taxes for a sufficient amount of time.

One reason many people confuse these two programs has to do with their abbreviations. Social Security disability benefits are frequently referred to as SSDI, or Social Security Disability Insurance, whereas SSI disability benefits are referred to as SSID.

Other frequent questions I get from senior citizens have to do with their possible eligibility for Social Security disability

benefits. Here are some ground rules that vary depending on your age.

If you are over your full retirement age, forget about it. Once you reach that age, disability benefits are no longer payable. To put that another way, the retirement benefit you are getting pays the same rate as any disability benefits you might be due.

If you are under age 62 and disabled, then you should definitely file for Social Security disability. There is information about how to do that later on in this column.

If you are over 62 and not yet on Social Security, then you should file for retirement and disability benefits at the same time. The Social Security Administration can start your reduced retirement payments immediately. That way, if your disability claim is eventually approved, they will switch you to the higher disability rate.

But if you are between age 62 and your full retirement age and are already getting Social Security retirement benefits, you may or may not want to file for disability payments. The closer you are to your full retirement age, the smaller your disability boost will be. You may decide it’s just not worth all the hassle.

Why? Your disability rate (normally equal to your full retirement age benefit) must be reduced for every month you’ve already received a Social Security retirement check. You will eventually reach a point where you simply gain very little by filing for Social Security disability.

Here is a quick example. Sam filed for retirement benefits at age 62. His benefit was reduced by roughly one-half of 1% for each month he was under his full retirement age. He is getting 75% of his FRA rate. At 65, he had a heart attack. If he files for disability benefits and his claim is approved, his regular disability rate, again equal to his FRA benefit, must be reduced by about one-half of 1% for each month he’s already received a retirement benefit. At age 65, he’s received 36 retirement checks, so his disability rate must be cut by about 18%. So instead of a 100% disability rate, he’d get about 82%. Sam would have to decide if it is worth all the hassle of filing for disability just to get bumped up from his current 75% rate to 82%.

What’s the hassle? First, you will fill out a bunch of paperwork. The primary piece is a form that asks you to describe your disability and how it prevents you from working.

That same form also asks you to list your medical providers. The government can’t make a decision about your case without having the evidence to back up your claim.

The SSA contracts out disability decisions to an agency in each state that is staffed with doctors and other medically trained personnel. They are the folks who decide if you meet the legal definition of “disability” for Social Security purposes.

In a nutshell, the rules say that your impairment must keep you from doing any kind of work for which you are suited for at least 12 months.

There is a pretty good chance you will be asked to go to a Social Security doctor for additional evaluation. Make sure you don’t miss that appointment.

Your disability claim will usually take about three to six months to process. If it’s approved, you’ll start getting disability checks six months after they say your disability began. That six-month waiting period is built into the law.

Continued on next page

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

The impact and influence of Feng Shui on Real Estate (Part2)

If you missed my column from last week, here is a link to read it before you read today’s column: Part 1: JerichoSyosset News Journal (2/28/25) https://issuu.com/ litmorpublishingcorp/docs/jerichosyosset_news_journal_2_28_25_

So those that continue to practice Feng Shui, do this as a very serious customary process and practice, when purchasing real estate. Asian buyers place great significance and truth on the proposition of adhering and utilizing Feng Shui when searching for a new home. They believe that balancing and harmonizing their living spaces can bring good fortune, opulence and a good life.

Feng Shui goes back 5000 years and for those that practice this, it becomes extremely crucial and critical when buying a property. Understanding customs and beliefs will go a very long way and be to your advantage if you are trying to break into the Asian market in the U.S. or even abroad. More than 50% of my clients are Chinese, Korean or Indian and for me, it is very important to have the appreciation of having the knowledge and expertise in assisting those purchasers with their real estate needs and wants.

Back to my story from last week, about when David Lauster, my teacher/mentor, had taken out a Chinese couple who were relocating for the Marriot Hotel chain down at Disney in Orlando. The husband was going to manage one of their high-end hotels and she was to manage one of their exclusive 4-star restaurants in the Disney hotel complex.

Continued from page 2

you collected from your tomatoes and peppers is that they won’t be the same kind unless you started with heirloom varieties last year.

Catalogs are a great way to get plants that are special, new, rare or hard to grow. Your local garden center can’t stock 300 kinds of tomatoes, peppers or other vegetables, but somewhere out there is a grower with a catalog who does have all the plants you want. If you are not sure about a seed brand, you can look for customer reviews. One thing to look for is how long a company has been in business. Seed companies really do want you to become

Continued from previous page

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

They originally came from Hong Kong, extremely well educated and professional. David had never experienced or had any knowledge of Feng Shui. So, he had to undertake an extremely challenging and sometimes stressful and exhausting position in figuring out what they needed and wanted to buy based on Feng Shui customs and principles.

The ensuing story (Click on the link down below, in the online digital version or copy and paste the link into your browser) that what you will see, and experience is tantamount to understanding why Realtor education should be at the top of your list when hiring a Broker, Associate Broker or salesperson. The comprehension, command and grasp of Feng Shui or any other pertinent information or concepts within the real estate field are required and necessary on a daily basis to be at the top of one’s game. Providing the concerted efforts, disciplined actions and the sacrifice of one’s unrecoverable, can’t grow more, can’t re-invent valuable time becomes the number one principle of being a top producing Broker. Servicing your clients as if they were one of the rarest elements like “palladium” more valuable than platinum or even gold and putting them on a pedestal, will assuredly put you in the 5-10% club of high-end earners.

The bigger issue is how to find and gain the knowledge and expertise that

you are able to experience and derive from on a daily basis. It can be accomplished by watching, listeningcarefully and attentively with both ears when conversing with other Realtors; or when studying and training. Finding and having the ultimate mentor to learn, absorb, and most importantly, practice and apply concepts and principles will assuredly turn you into a top producer and a force to be reckoned with in your community. But do you have what it takes?

Dealing with the multitude of cultures, traditions, rituals and formalities requires the most comprehensive all-inclusive mastery, understanding, and listening carefully your clients’ needs and wants in your local market. Achieving one’s goal of becoming successful in building an ironclad foundation will enable you to scale your real estate career and business to heights that you cannot even contemplate or imagine. But where there is a will, there will always be away! Here is the link to my video back in 2015 and our CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) course and the hilarious story:

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 43+ years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned 3 significant designations: (What I consider a Master’s degree in real estate) expert in

A GREENER VIEW

lifelong gardeners buying their seeds. Here are some companies that I like.

The Baker Creek catalog has over 1,500 variety of seeds. They publish Heirloom Gardener Magazine and “The Heirloom Life Gardener” book. For more information, check out rareseeds.com.

Dixondale Farms is the home of the Onionman and a lot of good onions at dixondalefarms.com.

The Harris Seeds catalog has a good selection of vegetables, plus flowers and tools. Find them at harrisseeds.com.

The Chas. C. Hart Seed Co. is one of the few garden seed companies that understands the difference between GMO and

If your claim is denied, you will have to decide if it is worth it to appeal. If you decide to do that, the first appeal is usually just a review of your case by the state agency that made the first decision. If your claim is denied again, you can file for a hearing before a Social Security judge. Due to backlogs, those hearings

If you have a Social Security question,

consulting and completing international transactions, eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, solar panels, Geo-thermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).

He will also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and his Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.

He will provide you with “free” regular updates of what has gone under contract (pending), been sold (closed) and those homes that have been withdrawn/ released or expired (W/R) and all new listings of homes, HOA, Townhomes, Condos, and Coops in your town or go to: https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” no obligation 15 minute consultation, as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached call him at (516) 647-4289 or email: Phil@ TurnKeyRealEstate.com You can now search at your leisure for properties at: WWW.Li-RealEstate.com

GE seeds. This company has been around for over 125 years and is an excellent source of garden seeds. If your charitable organization needs vegetable garden seeds, this is the company to contact at hartseed.com.

Double A Vineyards is an awesome source of grapevines at doubleavineyards.com.

Indiana Berry & Plant Co. is a great source for strawberries, brambles, blueberries and grapevines. Check them out at indianaberry.com

Renee’s Garden has garden-tested and taste-tested heirloom and gourmet vegetables, flowers and herbs. Her seed packets

are very detailed, and Renee personally grows every plant variety before it is offered in the catalog. Find her catalog and cookbook at reneesgarden.com.

The Territorial Seed Company has all the essential seeds and supplies at territorialseed.com.

The Totally Tomatoes catalog may not be completely tomatoes, but it is close. Check it out at totallytomato.com.

Wood Prairie Family Farm is the place to get any kind of potato at woodprairie. com.

Email questions to Jeff Rugg at info@ greenerview.com. .

COPYRIGHT 2025 JEFF RUGG

BY MARY HUNT

The Agony and Ecstasy of Getting Out of Debt

Dear Mary: We’ve just received notice that the rent on our three-bedroom house is going up from $950 to $1,200 a month. We were struggling before, so we really can’t afford the increase. We have looked at an apartment community, where our rent would be around $850 a month.

I found another home that could be a great permanent family home. This one is a rental, but with an option to purchase. The monthly rent on this house is $1,250.

We have huge student loan balances, and our credit isn’t that great. Should we move to the cheaper apartment, opt for the house with the higher rent and option to purchase, or just stay where we are? Thanks for your advice. -- Henry

Dear Henry: If you are already struggling to make your $950 rent each month, how are you going to handle $1,200 a month -- with or without an option-to-purchase clause?

Have you looked carefully at the conditions and terms on that option? Typically, included in those terms is that a portion of the rent you pay each month will be credited against an undetermined purchase price, if and when you are able to buy. That could be a small amount, like $25 a month.

Given the information you’ve given me -- even if that option to purchase appears favorable -- I would advise you to go with the $850 apartment, provided you keep your moving costs to an absolute minimum.

Continued from page 2

increase of disability over five years.

The researchers’ theory was that eating more protein would be associated with slower disability development in elderly adults, depending on their muscle mass and muscle strength. And their research backed that up. Participants who ate more protein at the beginning of the study were less likely to become disabled compared to people who ate less protein.

Dr. Nuno Mendonca, the principal author of the study, wrote in the Journal

You need to be seriously cutting expenses, not adding to them. Lower rent plus a strong commitment to go on a spending diet should give you the boost you need to get your debts paid in the next two or three years. Then you’ll be ready to start saving a down payment so you can begin looking for a home to buy.

Dear Mary: It’s been years now since my husband and I finished a debt repayment program offered through our local Catholic Charities, based on your philosophies and book “The Financially Confident Woman.” In two years, we paid off tens of thousands of dollars of debt that would have otherwise taken decades to repay.

When Catholic Charities was contacted by several large businesses and a local hospital about starting a program for all their employees, they asked me to spearhead this project. I agreed as my way of showing grati-

tude for what we have received.

I want you to know that between you and Catholic Charities, my life has been permanently changed. My husband and I now truly enjoy the love of each other and our three beautiful children. Thanks for changing my life and making frugality something not to be despised. God bless you. -- C.L.

Dear C.L. Your letter made my day! I am so proud of you for your great accomplishment of getting out of debt. Thanks for being such diligent “students” and putting into action the simple plan you found in my book.

Dear Mary: It’s been nearly a year since I wrote to you. I was in despair about our financial situation. Because I shared the bad news, I want to share the good news, too. Since then, we sold our home (the biggest reason we couldn’t reduce our expenses further) and purchased a condominium.

This reduced our mortgage payment by 25%. We put 40% down on our new home, paid our $21,000 credit card debt in full, and have cash reserves to cover three months of basic bills and living expenses in case of emergency.

This is the first time in our marriage that we have been debt-free, and it feels great. Thanks for encouraging and supporting our desire to live debt-free. Your guidance and encouragement to do the hard work changed our lives. -- Vivienne

Dear Vivienne: I recall your first letter and how things did look nearly hopeless. Yours was one of those desperate situa-

NEWS

Protein For Older Adults

article, “Our findings support current thinking about increasing the recommended daily intake of protein to maintain active and healthy aging.”

Older adults should aim to eat about 1.0 to 1.2 grams of protein for every 2.2 pounds of body weight. For example, for a person who weighs 160 pounds, that would be about 72 grams of protein per day. That compares with the current recommendation for adults (young and elderly) at 0.8 grams of protein for every 2.2 pounds of body weight per day, or 58 grams of protein per day for a 160-pound person.

The bottom line is most adults get more than enough protein, but as you age, it may be beneficial to consume more protein to stay independent.

Q and A

Q: Are there health benefits to grilling?

A: Yes. Grilling allows excess fat to melt and drip off meats rather than being reabsorbed into the food, so you’re likely to consume less fat. Grilling also decreases the need for sauces and seasonings that may contain extra salt because it gives a natural smoky flavor. More nutrients may also be retained because ingredients

tions that required drastic measures. I know that selling your home was a very difficult decision, but I believe you did the right thing by scaling down. I am so happy for you. You have warmed the cockles of my heart, which I must admit came as a bit of a shock. I didn’t know I had cockles.

Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

are cooked quickly on the grill. Grilling is also an invitation to spend time with family and friends outdoors. You can also put your favorite fruits and vegetables on the grill.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD..

COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of March 9-15, 2025

I’m always excited when springtime is just around the corner. It’ll soon be time to get outdoors more and enjoy the warmth of our beautiful sun.

We all take our sun for granted, expecting it to be there every day, but ancient civilizations worshiped its light and heat because they recognized its life-giving properties. Today we know they were right; life on Earth, and even the Earth itself, could never exist without our nearest star.

The sun appears large and bright because it’s nearby, only 93 million miles away. Most people would consider that to be tremendously distant, but we astronomers recognize it as a mere stone’s throw on a cosmic scale.

The enormity of our sun is pretty remarkable too. The “photosphere” -- the disk that we can see (with a proper solar filter, of course) -- stretches about 865,000 miles from edge to edge. That’s large enough that 109 Earths could stretch across its face!

No wonder that we consider our sun to be immense. But, again, on a cosmic scale, is it?

Our sun is one of a class of stars known as “solartype” stars; these comprise only about 7% of the Milky Way galaxy. Most stars, however, are considerably smaller than the sun. These are known as “red dwarfs,” and they make up about 75% of our galaxy, so by comparison, our sun is huge.

But what about the other 18%? What type of stars are those? Many of them are known as “giants” and “supergiants,” and two of the best examples of these are visible tonight in the constellation Orion.

Look for Orion as a vertical rectangle of stars midway up in the southern sky just after dark; at its cen-

STARGAZERS

Our ‘Tiny’ Sun

ter lie three equally bright stars that form a straight line. Orion represents a hunter, with the top two stars marking his shoulders, the bottom two marking his knees, and the three central stars outlining his belt.

Many of the stars of Orion are giants and supergiants, but two are particularly spectacular. The bright star marking the northeastern corner (one shoulder) of Orion is known as Betelgeuse. This red supergiant glows with an orange light that’s pretty tough to miss.

small by comparison.

Some 15-20 times more massive than our sun, Betelgeuse is one of the first stars to have its size measured. And it’s big. Very big. We would need about 700 suns to cross the face of Betelgeuse.

Betelgeuse is so immense that if it replaced our sun at the center of our planetary system, it would engulf not only the sun but the orbits of Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars, and extend nearly to Jupiter!

At the opposite corner (in one of the hunter’s knees) lies sparkling Rigel, another supergiant that displays a slightly bluish-white color. Rigel lies about 850 lightyears (5,100 trillion miles) from Earth, contains about 21 times more mass, and has a diameter some 74 times greater than the sun. Betelgeuse, on the other hand, makes Rigel appear

LOST IN SUBURBIA

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

Being the deep, substantial person that I am, I was kind of hoping that following my knee replacement surgery, my at-home physical therapist would resemble someone like Jason Momoa. Unfortunately, it seemed all the buff therapists had already been assigned, because I ended up with one who looked more like Ant-Man than Aquaman.

Still, I didn’t want him to feel like I didn’t respect his special skillset, so I asked him what his superpower was.

“I will help you get your leg straight,” he replied.

I sighed. I had been hoping for something more like, “I can manipulate time to save the world from a mutant alien arachnid species,” but I thought getting my leg straight would be good too.

In most superhero movies, there is often a villain whom the superhero must thwart to save humanity. But in my house, the only one who really fit that role was the dog. Ever since I had returned home from the hospital, I had noticed

For all its enormity, Betelgeuse isn’t the largest known star. That honor goes to UY Scuti, a red supergiant 30% larger than Betelgeuse!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com. . COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM

A Super Dog Day Afternoon

that the dog would lie across the floor or leave a toy exactly in my path, setting up a treacherous obstacle for a woman with only one good leg. Although I don’t think it was his intention to hurt me, the net result would have been the same, and thus I dubbed the villainous dog “He-WhoShall-Not-Be-Tripped-Over.”

The physical therapist, who I’ll call Therapyman (because all superheroes should have “man” in their name, and also I’m not very creative when it comes to naming superheroes), realized right away that the dog would be our nemesis. It might have had something to do with the fact that Therapyman himself tripped over the dog on his way into my house. This is also when we realized that Therapyman could fly ... but only short distances and without sticking the landing very well.

Now, I’ve had interactions with superheroes in the past, so all this was nothing new to me. For many years, my husband went by the pseudonym Super Grillman. When the burgers came out, he transformed into his alias and would go off to

fight his barbecue battles with his galactic grill tools, which he kept in a titanium grill case. He didn’t so much save the world from the burgers as he did save the burgers themselves from being well done. But he was proud of his achievements, and who was I, a mere mortal, to question his status?

This would be a good time to admit that the hospital had sent me home with pain medication for the first week, and it was making me a little loopy. This may be the reason why I called my physical therapist “Therapyman” to his face. I introduced myself as “Super Knee Woman” (again, not very creative, but I was on meds, so I get a pass), who could leap off my bed on one leg in a single bound. When he tested my other skills, I failed with flying colors, which I attributed to the fact that I believed his PT bag contained Kryptonite, and therefore I was rendered practically mortal.

Therapyman was super kind, though, assuring me that it was normal to lose your superpowers after a big surgery and that I would be back to saving the world,

or at least able to get to the toilet by myself, in no time.

As Therapyman began to run me through a series of exercises, both of us neglected to see the villainous dog, “He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Tripped-Over,” lying down in the hall, directly in my path. I was teetering precariously, my cane just about to come in contact with the dog’s tail, when Therapyman flew into action, dashed across the hall at superspeed and, with superhuman strength, lobbed my 45-pound dog across the hall like a hockey puck.

This is when I realized the physical therapist’s true superpower name was “He-Who-Moves-the-Dog-Out-of-MyWay.”

Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www.tracybeckerman.com.

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Fish and chips is an ideal meal throughout Lent

Gourmet Fish and Chips

Makes 4 servings Lent is an important time of year for Christians across the globe. Lent is a season of sacrifice, and many practicing Christians abstain from consuming flesh meat on Fridays in the weeks preceding Easter. Abstaining from meat on Fridays throughout Lent does not require devoted Christians to avoid flavor. In fact, there are many flavorful non-meat dishes for Christians to choose from each Friday during Lent. One particularly flavorful option is this recipe for “Gourmet Fish and Chips” from Lines+Angles.

For the mushy peas:

12 ounces green dried peas, split

1 tablespoon baking soda

2 tablespoons butter, softened

Salt

Freshly ground black peppercorns

For the fries:

2 1⁄4 lbs. white potatoes, peeled

8 cups vegetable oil, for deep-frying

4 tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon onion powder or onion salt

1) For the mushy peas: Combine the peas with the baking soda in a large saucepan. Cover with 8” water. Cover and chill overnight.

2) The next day, drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water.

3) Return the peas to a large saucepan and cover with about 0.5” water. Bring to a boil over a high heat before reducing to a simmer until tender to the bite, about 30 to 40 minutes; skim away any froth that rises to the surface and edges.

4) Remove from the heat and stir in the butter. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside until ready to serve.

5) For the chips/fries: Cut the potatoes into fries. Submerge in a large bowl of water as you heat the oil.

6) Heat the oil in a large, heavybased saucepan to 285° F; use

For the fish:

4 large white fish fillets, approximately 2 lbs., such as cod or haddock, skinless, pin-boned

1 cup flour

1 large egg, beaten

12 fluid ounces beer, chilled

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

To serve:

2 gherkins pickles, sliced lengthwise

2 lemons

Sprig curly parsley

a thermometer to accurately measure the temperature.

7) Remove the potatoes from the water and pat dry with a paper towel. Place in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle over the corn starch, onion powder and some salt, tossing well to combine.

8) Deep-fry the potatoes until soft and starting to color, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towel and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.

9) Increase the temperature of the oil to 355° F. Working in two batches, return the fries to the oil and fry until golden-brown and crisp all over.

10) Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Season with salt and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm; reserve the oil.

11) For the fish: Return the frying oil to 355° F; use a kitch-

en thermometer to accurately gauge the temperature.

12) In the meantime, season the fish with salt and pepper

13) Combine the flour, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and some freshly ground black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Whisk briefly to combine before slowly whisking in enough of the beer to make a thick, smooth batter.

14) Working one by one, drop the fish fillets into the batter, turning to coat evenly.

15) Let the excess batter drip off the fish before carefully lowering into the hot oil. Deep-fry until golden-brown and crisp, about 4 minutes. Remove from the hot oil and drain on paper towel, covering loosely with aluminum foil.

16) Repeat steps 14 and 15 for the remaining fish.

17) Reheat the fries in the hot oil if needed, draining well.

18)To serve: Divide the mushy peas between ramekins and place on plates. Divide the fries into individual serving baskets and arrange next to the fish on the plates.

19) Cut the lemons in half, scoring a zig-zag pattern into them with a paring knife. Serve alongside the fish and fries, garnishing the fish with gherkin slices and some parsley sprigs.

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issues to the Village of Garden City.

We are lucky to have people dedicated to serving us for the Village of Trustee position - it is an enormous commitment. Please help Michele retain her position and give Rich his first shotthey both deserve it!

The 2025 General Village Election will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Polls will be open from 12 Noon to 9:00 p.m. in the evening and will be held at the St. Paul’s Field House- Please Vote for Harrington and Catalano!

Eileen K. Read

Vote for Ed Finneran

To The Editor:

It is with respect and confidence that I support Ed Finneran for Mayor of Garden City. I have known Ed and his family for 20+ years. Our families have vacationed together and spent many hours on GC fields and at countless schools events. Ed has always had the motivation and the energy to give back to his community. His desire and ability to volunteer has increased over the years and he has become more active fighting for Garden City residents. He has a passion and a vision for making the Village of Garden City the best it can be. He is always accessible and enjoys conversations with residents, asking for their views on issues. I feel he will

respectfully give all residents a voice.

Ed is an independent thinker with a desire to help Garden City navigate some serious community issues. I believe he will have a positive influence while improving the Village of Garden City community and the Village politics. He is committed to safety on our roads, parking lots, community parks and community centers. I hope you can support Ed Finneran for Mayor of Garden City.

Cynthia George

My candidacy for Village Trustee

To the Editor:

My name is Yvonne Varano and I am running for village trustee in this year’s general village election. As an individual that has deep roots in Garden City, I understand the challenges facing our community. These include St. Paul’s, the Nassau County casino development project, traffic issues and environmental concerns particularly the water. I am running for Trustee to bring a fresh perspective and advocate for practical solutions while maintaining the characteristics of the village that make Garden City a special place to live and work.

I have been a volunteer in the village for more than two decades and have held various leadership roles such as serving as PTA President. I know how to work with people, communi-

cate, resolve issues and deliver results. I would approach all decisions for the village with the same research and analytical skills I have used for over 20 years in my profession as an Equity Research Analyst in finance. I believe that my ability to analyze situations and the financial impact on our community would be an asset to the board.

As a trustee I will do my best to represent the citizens of Garden City. I believe in transparency and truly listening to the concerns of all residents. Each resident has something valuable to contribute, and citizen involvement should be a key factor before making major decisions especially as it relates to St. Paul’s.

With a rapidly changing Nassau County, increased traffic through our village has been a huge issue for residents. I would look for longer-term practical solutions to improving safety and slowing traffic. It is in this vein that I am opposed to the building of a mega casino on the site of the Nassau Coliseum. The added traffic and associated pollution, the strain on our water aquafer and the negative impact on local business would only diminish our quality of life. As a trustee I would support the fight to prevent this monstrosity from being built in our backyard.

With the recent increased environmental focus in the village, I am a

supporter of sustainability initiatives which are environmentally beneficial to our community. It is important to look toward the long-term future of the village as the decisions we make today will impact generations to come.

Garden City is the place I have called home and where my husband and I have raised our three children. I will do my best to serve the village I love by listening to the residents and maintain the aspects of our village that bring us all together as a community.

Please come out on March 18th to vote. The Polls at St. Paul’s Field House will be open from 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m.

Yvonne Varano

Wonderfully qualified

To the Editor:

A Garden City Village Trustee must recognize commitment to service for the residents with accuracy, diligence regarding fiscal objectives and their associate outcomes. This public trust is of one of the highest regarded positions to a secure village.

Knowing these qualifications, Michele Beach Harrington who is currently serving as a Garden City Village Trustee is wonderfully qualified. She maintains a legacy within the village, exceptional professional financial experience, reliability and commitment. She has demonstrated capabilities to iden-

tify, defend and activate upon the common values of our community. Michele maintains all attributes necessary to continue as a Garden City Village Trustee with the utmost dignity and professionalism.

Personally, I have had the good fortune to know Michele well over 30 years, proudly considering her a dear friend and neighbor. She is patient and dedicated within all aspects of life, family and community. Michele is always generous with her time and never misses the opportunity to participate in education and community events.

Michele will work tirelessly for our village. She brings a balanced perspective to support Garden City. I trust her continued guidance and leadership to present mutually beneficial opportunities and direction. Recognizing her career as a long-standing senior finance professional, dedicated leader and mother I maintain and elevate support for Michele Harrington as she never forgets Garden City is our Village!

Theresa Marie Furman

Vote for Ed and Michele

To the Editor:

Voting for Michele Harrington and Ed Finneran is the right thing to do for our beloved Garden City.

Michele has dedicated 25 plus years out of her 54 years of living in Garden City working on civic matters concerning our village.

Both Ed and Michele have served dutifully as Village Trustees. Ed also served as Commissioner of Public Works for our Village. They both have many civic accomplishments but their character, loyalty, honesty, charity and above all their friendship provides us with comfort knowing they will take care of all the residents of Garden City .

Frank and Tara Segarra

Rich Catalano for Trustee

To the Editor:

I recently became aware that my friend Rich Catalano is running for Trustee, and I am delighted to offer my endorsement and support of him and his candidacy. Here’s why:

During my tenure as a WPOA Board member, I had gotten to know Rich at our various events and found him to be an extremely decent person who cares deeply about Garden City. Involved for quite some time with the Estates POA and as a founding member of the Say NO to the Casino Civic Association, Rich Catalano has proven that his zeal and love for Garden City is more than just lip service. Those who serve on the POA boards put in an effort that is far greater than most residents are aware (I know this first-hand as a WPOA Board member). On top of that, he has been a major voice for Say NO to the Casino, which is attempting to save the Village from the harmful consequences that

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

placing a casino near schools would bring.

I had been a resident of the Village for more than 31 years, and although I am no longer there, I care deeply about my friends and neighbors in Garden City. Village Trustees are positions that need to be filled by good, qualified people in order to assure the Village government successfully serves its residents. That’s why I urge you to consider voting for Rich Catalano on Tuesday, March 18th.

Bill Cuomo

Supports Michele Harrington

To the Editor:

This is a letter in support of Michele Harrington for Village of Garden City Board of Trustees.

I have known Michele since our GCHS days. After pursuing our educational and youthful dreams we similarly returned “home” to each raise our families. Our paths have continued to cross civically, and  for charitable and community causes for GC.

She served together with my husband for many years on the Estates Property Owners Association where they both worked to engage and educate our community on local initiatives to improve the quality of life in the Village.

More recently Michele heads the Environmental Advisory Board working for water conservation. They have implemented sprinkler REBATES for the village.  I am sure you have also noticed how they have pushed hard on educating our residents on lead pipe risks and remediation in our older homes and buildings.

With her professional background as Managing Director in the financial industry she has been perfectly positioned to head the Finance Committee for the VGC.  She has implemented disciplines of department expenses, cash controls, maintained low debt levels and a AAA rating for the Village while working with the Village Treasurer.

Michele has also worked on the traffic committee to help ensure greater safety on our village roads.

Michele for me, in her official village role, has always been a text message away with either a timely answer or a “I’ll research that and get back to you.”

With her experience, background and dedication to the VGC I could not think of a more qualified person to continue to improve the quality of my Village  life.

Susan Tierney, DDS, MPH

A voice for residents

To the Editor:

I am proud to to support Michele Harrington in her re-election campaign for Village Trustee.

Michele is dedicated to preserving the character of Garden City while ensuring responsible growth and strong fiscal management. She will continue

to be a voice for residents, working to enhance services, maintain public safety, and keep our village thriving. Vote for proven leadership! Liz Galzerano

Devoted to community

To the Editor:

I am writing in support of the candidacy of Michele Harrington for a second term as Garden City Village Trustee. I have known Michele for 25 years and our children attended school together when Michelle led the curriculum committee of the Garden City PTA.

Michele grew up in Garden City and she has spent many years devoted to our beautiful community. Michele volunteered at her church and she supported the TWIGS of then, Winthrop Hospital, the American Cancer Society, and the Garden City Historical Society. Michele cares about tradition and her leadership skills as a managing director in finance for 35 years positioned her well as President of the Estates POA and then as a Garden City Village Trustee. She has a great understanding of finance, strategic planning, forward thinking, and negotiating issues of great importance to our community as a member of the environmental and traffic committees. She is hard working, kind, and she cares deeply about our Village, our residents, and our history. We are so fortunate to have her! Please join me in voting once again for Michele Harrington as our Village Trustee on March 18.

Joanne K. Adams

Dedicated to maintaining GC

To the Editor:

I have had the privilege of getting to know Rich through his tireless advocacy against the Sands Mega Casino and his leadership on the Estates Property Owners Association. I can wholeheartedly say that, of all the people I have known in my twenty-five years of living in Garden City, that there are few people who are more dedicated to maintaining Garden City as a great place to live and raise families. He not only has the dedication to be an outstanding Trustee, but also has the experiences as both a community leader and a CPA. Rich is a team player who can work with the people of the community and build consensus around common goals. Rich is the type of candidate that you shouldn’t just vote for, but also need to make sure that your friends and neighbors get to polls to support him!

John Chiara

Deeply committed

To the Editor:

I’ve known my wonderful neighbor, Michele Harrington, for many years. But it was during the past five years that we truly became friends while walking our dogs together. I look forward to our morning walks.

Michele is an extraordinary person. She grew up in Garden City and is raising her own family here. She is deeply committed to our community’s involvement in both civic and charitable activities. Her infectious optimistic attitude inspires others to get involved.

Currently, Michele serves as a Trustee, Chair of the Finance Committee, Co-Chair of the Environmental Advisory Board, and a member of the Traffic Committee. When re-elected, she will undoubtedly continue to make remarkable contributions to our Village.

Liz McDonough

Supports Rich Catalano

To The Editor:

I write to express my support for Rich Catalano, a 25+ year resident of Garden City and co-President of the Estates POA, for Garden City Trustee.

I have been an active member of the Say NO to the Casino Civic Association for almost two years. Rich is a founding member of the ‘Say No’ group and has worked tirelessly since day one in his effort to stop the development of Sands massive casino, which would place the 2nd largest Casino in the U.S. less than 2 miles from Garden City. While there has been much discussion and debate on the future of St. Paul’s, I believe we’ll come to the right answer because, in the end, the decision-makers on St. Paul’s want what’s best for the residents of Garden City. Unfortunately, I believe opposite is true of a decision on Sands Casino for the residents of our county. The Nassau County legislature, including Leg. John Giuffre who represents Garden City, have turned their backs on the overwhelming public opposition to this project. For example, during a Town of Hempstead scoping exercise on the casino about a year ago, public comments opposing the casino stood at nearly 99% vs. 1% in support. Yet, the casino still has the support of almost the entire county legislature. Why? Sands has been spending tens of millions of dollars to gain the support of elected officials, chambers of commerce, civic associations and non-profits etc. Some of these groups even have stated objectives that are entirely contrary to what a casino would bring. For example, there is a family addiction non-profit located in Garden City quoted on sandsnewyork.com even today supporting Sands, which bring a massive casino within 1.5 miles of their very office!

With endless dollars being spent by Sands, the deck seems to be stacked against those who oppose the casino; however, Rich Catalano’s leadership on this issue has helped our Say No group form, I believe, the strongest and most cohesive message in opposition to Casino development relative to the 11 or so casino proposals being considered

See page 52

Friday, March 7, 2025

in NY State. Since only three casino licenses are up for grabs in New York, I am hopeful that Garden City and surrounding communities will be able to dodge the proverbial bullet when New York State ultimately makes a decision because, importantly, “community support” is a key factor in the site selection process.

If you wish to learn more about the Say No group, visit the website that Rich has developed to help get the word out: www.nocasinonassau.org

Mike McKeever

Manipulative and dishonest

To the Editor:

It is sad to see Trustee Tai, so new to the Village, posting a letter on social media titled “The future of St. Paul’s: Community engagement and next steps” signed by Trustees Courtney, Finneran, Harrington, Muldoon, Torino and herself, so full of inaccuracies.  They write that “BCI has collaborated closely with the 2024-25 BOT to develop two surveys”,  yet fail to mention that on the most important issue, the choices on the survey regarding the future of St Paul’s, they have repeatedly ignored BCI’s advice and refuse to have both Demo and/or Facadism on the survey.  The letter fails to mention the Mayor has repeatedly refused to vote with them on their abandonment of a professional data driven approach and has stated so publicly.  This is even after BCI re-iterated at public BOT meetings that BCI disagreed with the six POA BOT members and that demo and façade need to be on the survey so this BOT and future BOT’s can ascertain where the residents truly stand and the type of projects they will support longterm.

The second, and more egregious “inaccuracy” (and I’m really trying to be calm here) is the disingenuous argument that the Village has voted to “save part or all of the building” with 61% of the residents supporting that choice, and that signifies full support for their Adaptive Reuse.  If you voted for facadism, no matter how much you are against saving every brick, this POA BOT has changed your vote to Adaptive Reuse. If you voted for demo, you no longer exist.

Facts matter. Does any resident in Garden City actually believe that these 6 POA BOT members believe their own argument  when they argue every vote for facadism is a vote for Adaptive Reuse because they were inexplicably put together in the Mayor’s poorly designed “Opinion Poll”? Is the argument that an incredibly flawed and ridiculous “opinion poll” therefore justifies a $100,000,000 spend before cost overruns?   To assume that those supporting facadism, which is demo’ing 99% of the building and saving just the

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

front 1% with a new multi-purpose community center behind it, would wish to be counted as Saving Every Brick, rather than demo, shows the extreme and less than honest mental gymnastics these 6 POA BOT members will go to ignore the residents.  And so, many residents rightfully wonder, if this POA BOT will so misrepresent a public vote to this degree, does any resident not believe they will not misrepresent their “ballpark numbers” that have absolutely no documentation. Residents understand why Leo Stimmler, a decades long POA member and supporter of Saving Every Brick was so disgusted with this POA BOT’s behavior he publicly scolded Trustee Finneran at the last BOT meeting and announced that he will be writing in Mary Flanagan for Mayor and cannot support Trustee Finneran in that role. Kudos to Leo Stimmler for putting his integrity above his preferred survey outcome.  As having a Mayor with integrity is important to me, I personally, will be writing in Leo Stimmler for Mayor rather than Trustee Finneran.

Facts matter. We now know that just because an individual ends every sentence with “God Bless America” does not mean they will not use sophistry to misrepresent the results of a resident survey.  Trustees Muldoon, Courtney, Finneran, Harrington Torino and Tai, you have dishonestly misrepresented my vote on the largest project this Village has ever contemplated, with major financial implications for the village and its individual residents.  You are owed no courtesies, and the thanks you deserve as volunteers does not entitle you to take my vote away.  You stole the vote of every resident that had taken time out of their Saturday to vote in the Opinion Poll and does not support your Adaptive Reuse.

Facts matter. Such statements that façade is “only for inner cities”, the “building behind will look ugly”, that demo will “close the fields for two years”, that there will be a St Paul’s Senior Tax Exemption, that façade is “risky”, are all obviously false. Yet, Trustee Muldoon wants us to believe he literally can do the impossible and will “guarantee” that an “Adaptive Reuse” project will come in on time and on budget. The largest construction company in America would not guarantee that using Trustee Muldoon’s “ballpark numbers”.  And Trustee Muldoon’s more recent inexplicable and jaw-dropping comments at the GC Casino, invoking the deaths of our neighbors on 9/11 to the necessary abatement and demolition for facadism and demo shows he has no basic understanding of a Trustee’s role, let alone respect for those that perished that day.   The Trustee’s role is to serve and educate the residents, not use scare tactics to achieve one’s dream of a vanity project.

And while I would like to continue to be a supporter of facadism in the upcoming survey as a compromise between saving some of our history and having a first-class multi-purpose community/sports center behind it, I will be writing in “DEMO” in the upcoming survey.   I will not allow my façade vote to  be misrepresented by six less than forthright POA BOT members again as support for Adaptive Reuse, a project I feel is so far beyond this village’s capabilities to execute, even further beyond any residential construction owner to manage, and way beyond our tax base to pay for, despite Trustee Muldoon’s “guarantee” to insure there are no cost overruns on his first union project that is 10 times larger than any project he has ever managed in Garden City.  Vanity projects should not be done on the taxpayer’s dime.

I recommend every resident write in “demo” on the upcoming survey, either because you support demo, or believe a fair survey is a prerequisite to finding a solution to St. Paul’s. The fact that residents have to write it in, and most residents will not even be aware they can write it in, as this POA BOT cynically knows, shows how manipulative and dishonest this POA BOT is when it comes to St. Paul’s.

I have also signed the Open Letter circulating thru the Village demanding a fair survey (https://www.stpaulsopenletter.com/).   I hope everyone will sign it as well.

Donald MacLeod

Parkland, uses, costs

To the Editor:

This has been a somewhat forgotten subject when considering how to answer the survey. Fortunately the Mayor has written recently in her Updates about the significance that all of the 48.6 acres, including the St Paul ‘s (“derelict” according to Trustee Muldoon) dilapidated school building are parkland. The Kenney v. VGC lawsuit resulted in a 57 page, 2001, Court decision (affirmed by Appellate court, 2002) holding that the property was being treated as parkland and held that to be the case. Doubling down, the BoT in 2003 resolved to declare the property Parkland. This protects the property from undesired development and uses.

The property is to be used for municipal and leisure activities for the benefit of residents. It is not intended to be chock full of business enterprises and other non-conforming uses. Our Village Counsel, Gary Fishberg, spoke specifically on the subject at the 1 hour mark of the 10/3/23 Village presentation. (check link on VGC website). Also of importance was Trustee Torino’s statement at the Feb. 13, 2025 Town Hall that the property could not be alienated from Parkland status because a land swap would be required and the Village sim-

ply does not have the land to accomplish that. This has real implications.

Otherwise the six Trustees do not discuss the current survey relationship with Parkland? Perhaps if folks are uneducated about it they will remain unaware of the restrictions and be misled into believing that St. Paul’s could accommodate any project, any use, whatsoever. As a result some may mistakenly submit survey responses favoring reuse now or later. Business related activities incidental to the properties use for leisure activities may be acceptable but turning the building into a bunch of big revenue stream ventures is not. Hotels, senor residences, schools or large space rentals to health care entities are not permitted. (See Mayor’s Updates, GCN, 2/ 14/25, 2/21/25) the latter which elaborates on how unlikely schools would work at St. Paul’s for several reasons in particular p. 22). It is instructive to read the NYS Handbook on Alienation & Conversion of Municipal Land , a document which provides illustrations of permitted and non permitted uses and rules and regs pertaining to Parkland.

The philosophical point is that green space, Parkland, provides the Village with a means to keep the Village the way we want it. No big development, peace and quiet, safety and the communal atmosphere which propels many to want to live here. We do not need to save the building to save parkland; we need to avoid the possibility of the building with its inherent costs and design issues could create a situation where the status of the 48.6 acres of Parkland is imperiled. Additionally, the dangers of any project resulting in financial woes for the village is enhanced by the attitude and approach of Trustee Muldoon who has said he will guarantee the within budget success of any preservation project because he “has done hard work” in coming up with ball park project costs in the survey. But will he or Old World put up a surety bond to back up his guarantee? The label ballpark clearly indicates the cost estimates are anything but precise and totally reliable. His using only a 10% contingency for the potential project at such an early juncture seems reckless because the Village on its projects uses a 15% contingency. Abatement cost estimator, D&B, recommended a 30% to 50% contingency on the abatement costs to precede any project! For a project of this magnitude better safe than sorry seems prudent but we are headed down a thorny path, fraught with risk.

Moreover, “black swans”, the risk of the unknown, unperceivable calamities like 911, COVID, tariffs, a horrible housing crisis, catastrophic weather events having a severe impact that could threaten the financial well being of the Village are not accounted for by Trustee Muldoon, not even gray swans- the

Captain Obvious ones while knowing the, in his word “derelict,” condition of the structure. Nassim N. Taleb, author of acclaimed book The Black Swan, The Impact of the Highly Improbable, defines a black swan as an outlier carrying an extreme impact which causes us to retrospectively concoct explanations for its occurrence. (Page. xvii).

The lack of any room for unanticipated events in Trustee Muldoon’s calculations marks his estimates as trying to get residents to accept a vague project hoping, in an imperfect world, for perfect result but entirely unprepared for anything less.

Everyone is proud of the wonderful 38 acres of fields as part of the 48.6 acre property. No one is thrilled with the traffic and parking issues at the site. In a recent Facebook post former Trustee Bolebruch noted that 300-400 additional parking spaces could be needed, maybe a garage if reuse comes to fruition. Preserving and using such a large costly and problematic derelict building invites precarious finances. Saving the decrepit building is very risky business especially after 32 years of square pegs and round holes deadlock . (But demolition, $15m+$14m park, and/or community/rec center $20-25M of perhaps 40k sq. ft. seems a more certain, less risky and less expensive alternative.

So fill in Question 8 by writing in facade and/or demolition, the reasonable alternatives, For Questions 4,5,6 reject them , check off no support.

S. G. Gorray

Don’t ignore St. Paul’s survey

To the Editor:

Since 1993, when the building was sold to the Village of Garden City, the St. Paul’s saga has continued unabated.

The one fact that stands out for me is the historical lack of consensus among residents. The 2008 village poll, in which just over 5,000 residents voted, showed a plurality (46%) favored demolition, 37% mothballing, and 17% the Avalon Bay proposal for a 146-unit residential development. But three years later, in 2011, a Village-wide vote on a St. Paul’s Bond Resolution for $3.75 million to finance the demolition of the main building and Ellis Hall lost decisively: No-3,290, Yes-1,121. The most recent poll in 2023, in which 4,339 residents voted, showed 2,635 residents in favor of partial or full preservation and 1,704 for demolition. I’m among the many residents who think there should have been three options, not two that combined the restoration choices and  contorted the outcome.

The survey coming to each household on “Developing St. Paul’s As A Community Center”, a draft version of which is available to view on the village website, is worth filling out. The choices are detailed and question 8a (Please indicate why you selected “Will

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Email: Editor@GCNews.com

not support” for any of the options…”) gives residents favoring demolition a place within the survey to indicate that. You can also write it on the front of the survey. I think demolition should have been part of the survey, replacing the $30 - $40 million mothballing option, which to me is another costly way of pushing a solution down the road.

In any case, whatever your viewpoint on St. Paul’s and your opinion of the survey, ignoring it is a mistake. There are around 23,000 people living in the Village and approximately 17,000 over the age of 18. The 5,000 or less who have voted in previous polls constitute a minority of eligible voters. There are approximately 7,600 “households” in Garden City. It would be great to hear from all of them—or at least a large majority—and, perhaps finally, get a decisive indication of what current residents favor.

Christine Mullaney Promises kept?

To the Editor:

I respect and appreciate the volunteers who lead our village for their dedication and devotion to maintaining and improving Garden City as a great place to live. Though I supported FABGC in the past two elections, we can all agree with the key themes that the CAP candidates ran on - and won - a year ago: listening to every voice; welcoming diverse opinions; working with all residents regardless of which side of an issue they may be on.

That’s why I feel that it’s vital to widen the upcoming St. Paul’s survey to include demolition. To do otherwise would be to shut out nearly 40% of our neighbors who see that as the only viable option - the polar opposite of “listening to every voice.”

Our trustees have already added a new “mothballing” option - one that was not included on in the last admittedly-flawed survey - accommodating demolition would require minimal effort and should settle that issue once a for all.

This project will be the most expensive endeavor our village has ever undertaken and will have financial ramifications for decades to come. What better opportunity for our village leadership to live up to the ideals of “listening to every voice.”

Lynn Krug

Historic St. Paul’s?

To the Editor:

St. Paul’s was designed and constructed over four years as a 500-room boarding school and finished in 1883. In 1978 the St Paul’s School was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The building’s interior contained laboratories, classrooms, libraries, several dining halls, kitchens, a large reception parlor, permanent workspaces for staff,

a Gothic Chapel with seating for four hundred, and dormitory space for three hundred students along with spacious interior apartments on the top floors for teachers.

For over 30 years it’s been owned by the Village of Garden City during which the building has fallen into its present deteriorated state of disrepair. At a few of the board meetings Trustee Muldoon (our resident builder) stated that the building cannot be used in its present condition and that most of the interior will need be removed (gutted) before any refurbishment could be started. All building codes, health, and safety regulations must be in place and confirmed by inspections before the building can be occupied. What then would become of the historic status of the building?

According to the National Registry of Historic Places, a building can lose its national status. A historic building’s classification is based on its age and historical significance. Any changes that destroy or diminish the building’s historic significance can put its classification at risk. For example, gutting the historic building destroys the building’s architectural history. The property no longer has the qualities that led to its original designation.

Bob Orosz

What would it cost?

To the Editor:

I am 82 years old, and I, along with my wife Leah, have been a resident of Garden City for more than 53 years (more than Leo Stimler). I have been involved with the Eastern Property Owners Association (EPOA) for most of that time, having served on most of its committees as well as being the youngest president in any association, serving the longest term in any association and serving as president of the EPOA twice.

I mention the above because I have been involved in many projects in the village. Over those years, when the village has considered buying or building something, there was always the question - What Will It Cost ? Many proposals were modified and some even abandoned.

When considering what to do with St. Paul’s, we need to ask- what will it cost ? It would seem like the only proposal being submitted in the one sided survey would cost over $100,000,000. Demolition, which apparently is being omitted as an option in this survey, would cost a fraction of that and have a better result.

The solution – a village bidding referendum, with each of the three proposals and after each proposal, the projected cost of each one. That way, when voting, people would have the answer to the big question – What Will It Cost ??

John Pittoni, Esq.

Thank you

To the Editor: I said at Hoops for Hope that a word that came to mind about the day was “gratitude.”

I was grateful and honored to have the opportunity to run Hoops for Hope. My older brothers did such a great job with it and I felt a huge responsibility to do everything I could to make sure it was a success. I am grateful for all of the help that I received which is what made the event great.

I apologize if I leave someone out but I want to try to recognize as many people as I can. Mr. Steingruebner, the principal at GCHS, and Assistant Principal Perrotta and Cohn were a huge help. The facilities staff was amazing. Once again, Mr. Samuelson and Mrs. Madden at GC Middle School and Mrs. Hand and Mr. Hartigan at Stewart and Stratford were on board. Every year the gym walls are lined with posters the elementary students make. The primary principals all helped me to spread the word. Students Helping Students at GCHS helped with promotion and the event that day. Cheer and Kickline once again brought great energy to the gym and this year special guests GC Spirit came to perform and cheer the younger challenger players. The Varsity Basketball players helped the players on the court. GC Athletic Director Ramirez brings enthusiasm as MC and does a great job calling the game.

Every dollar raised at Hoops for Hope goes to the I’m Not Done Yet Foundation, started by the Menges family, in honor of Bobby Menges. Bobby was a GCHS student who died of cancer. I’m Not Done Yet provides services for teens who are battling cancer. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with Liz Menges, Bobby’s mom. She is an inspirational and energetic leader and I learned so much from her.

A special thank you goes to every single person who came to Hoops for Hope. Once again the gym was filled. And of course to the challenger athletes, their buddies and coaches: you put a smile on everyone’s face when we watch you play.

Thank you to EVERYONE who helped make Hoops for Hope a success this year.

Katherine O’Hanlon P.S. Come and cheer for the Challengers at their upcoming home games at GCHS: 3/10 at 3:45 pm and 3/13 and 3/17 at 3:30 pm.

About to hit a milestone?

Share your life accomplishments with your neighbors! Put your engagement, wedding, or baby announcement in the paper, (and it's free of charge for subscribers!) Email editor@gcnews.com

Best Buddies unite for afternoon of fun and friendship

Members of Best Buddies enjoyed meeting new friends while laughing, bonding over games like Jenga and Scrabble, sharing stories, and completing winter-themed coloring pages.

On Jan. 31, the Garden City High School and Garden City Middle School Best Buddies chapters came together for an afternoon filled with fun, games and meaningful connections. Both schools host student-run clubs that, with the guidance of teacher advisers, promote awareness, inclusivity and positivity through peer engagement.

High school e-board members—students in leadership positions—along with Best Buddies matches took a bus

to the middle school where they participated in a variety of structured activities designed to foster social interaction and friendship. Facilitated by Mrs. Tufano, Mrs. Novack, Mrs. Moss and Mr. Kalberer, the meeting provided students from grades 6–ß12 with a relaxed and enjoyable Friday afternoon. Members enjoyed meeting new friends while laughing, bonding over games like Jenga and Scrabble, sharing stories, and completing winter-themed col-

Students in the Best Buddies chapters of Garden City High School and Garden City Middle School spent an afternoon together.

oring pages.

The two groups will continue to work together as they prepare for the Annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk in May.

Best Buddies International is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships and supports

individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities. For over 15 years, the Garden City High School and Middle School chapters have been successfully building friendships. All students at Garden City Middle School and Garden City High School are welcome to join. Photos courtesy of the Garden City School District

Garden City Police arrest four for burglaries

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seen leaving the seen in a 2020 BMW X1 with New York license plates and a 2018 BMW X5 with a New Jersey license plates. Both vehicles were captured on neighbor’s cameras and Garden City license plate readers.

The alleged burglary ring was apprehended on February 27th at 9:40 p.m. when Garden City Detectives and Nassau County Police Department Burglary Pattern Squad Detectives were conducting surveillance. The suspects were stopped by NYPD for a traffic violation while returning to Flushing from Danbury, Connecticut, where they are suspects in a burglary

in that jurisdiction. The four men were placed into custody and transported to Garden City for arrest processing.

Sergio Rodriguez-Lopez is charged with three counts of Burglary 2nd degree. Adolfo Montes-Gomez is charged with two counts of Burglary 2nd degree.  Brandon Montano is charged with Burglary 2nd degree. Stephen Montenegro is charged with Burglary 2nd degree.

Police believe that the men are part of the South American theft group and there are ongoing investigations being conducted with Suffolk County Police Department and Danbury Police Department.

Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call 294-8900 or visit us online www.gcnews.com to request information & rates

Litmor Publishing's Community Newspapers

From

Adolfo Montes-Gomez

Sergio Rodriguez-Lopez

Brandon Montano

Brandon Montano

Photos from the Village Archives

Garden City Hotel

A view facing north to the first Garden City Hotel, located centrally between Seventh and Ninth Sts., and Cherry Valley and Hilton Aves.. It opened on 30 July 1874, 150 years ago. The four-story building with Mansard roof, typical for the era, had 25 guest rooms. The NY Times related that “The rooms are fitted throughout with black walnut and rosewood furnishings and massive marble mantles. The parlors which are pleasantly situated are elegantly furnished and upholstered. The hotel contains billiard roms, gentlemen’s rooms, ladies work rooms on each floor, private dining rooms & is lighted with gas”. The hotel lasted 20 years, until it was replaced in 1895 by the next 100-room version. Archives identifier: gcha05. The rear side of the hotel can be seen at gcha04

A selection from the extensive Village Archives. Others can be seen at www.NYHeritage.org - click on Organizations, G, and Garden City Public Library. Comments/questions: email Historian@gardencityny.net

Hearings on outdoor dining, pool regulations

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to 11 p.m. daily, except Sundays, when dining would begin at 8 a.m. No food orders for outdoor seating would be taken after 10 p.m. on any day. The law also includes provisions for music, lighting, and maintenance:

- Music would not be permitted in outdoor dining areas after 10 p.m.

- Outdoor cooking would be strictly prohibited.

- Exterior electrical lighting designed for sidewalk dining areas would require a separate permit. Temporary electrical connections, such as extension cords, would not be allowed.

- Sidewalks in dining areas must be power-washed annually, with invoices provided to the Building Department. Restaurants would also be required to clean outdoor dining areas nightly

before closing and as needed throughout the day.

Permit Violations and Revocations

Outdoor dining permits could be revoked if three violations occur, including excessive refuse accumulation, disruptive behavior, or pedestrian obstructions. The Superintendent of Buildings would have the authority to suspend or revoke permits for rule violations or if an outdoor dining setup is deemed hazardous or a nuisance.

Regulations for planters and umbrellas

Outdoor dining areas may use planters to separate dining spaces from pedestrian traffic, provided they meet the following conditions:

- Planters cannot exceed four feet (48 inches) in height, including plants.

- Only live, well-maintained plants are allowed.

- Planters must adhere to guidelines set by the Architectural Design Review Board (ADRB).

- Planters must be movable and stored against a building when the permit expires.

Similarly, umbrellas in outdoor dining areas must comply with stylistic guidelines set by the Village Board and ADRB. Umbrellas cannot obstruct public walkways or display advertisements

New regulations for residential pools

If passed, the law would:

- Require all pools to be designed by a licensed engineer or architect and approved by the Building Department.

- Establish setback requirements for pools, with distances from rear lot lines reaching up to 40 feet, depending on the district.

- Limit pools to rear yards only.

- Mandate that pools be covered or sealed when not in use to prevent unauthorized entry.

The proposed law would also prohibit:

- Underwater or overhead lighting.

- Loudspeakers audible beyond the property line.

- Diving boards, slides, or raised platforms.

Additionally, all residential pools would be required to have an alarm system that meets New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code standards.

The law specifies that pools may only be used by the property owner, lessees, tenants, or their invited guests and cannot be rented out for a fee.

GCAA 2024-25 Intramural Basketball Playoffs

Boys 3rd Grade

Boys 5th Grade

Boys 7th and 8th Grades

1.

6.

2.

Boys 4th Grade

Boys 6th Grade

Girls Grades 4-6

Trip to Yankee Game

Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays

@ Yankee Stadium on July 31

$90 gets you ticket, food, soft drinks, & ride to game. There are only 40 spots available for 4th – 8th graders. We will leave from St. Paul’s parking lot at 10am. We will return at the end of the game. Pleas sign up at the Recreation Office at 108 Rockaway Avenue. Cash or checks (made out to the Village of Garden City) only. These tickets will go quickly, sign up as soon as possible!!

Adult Evening Programs at the Field House

The Recreation Adult Programs in the Field House began on Wednesday, October 16 according to the following schedule:

Mondays - Mens’ Basketball -

7:30–10 p.m.

Wednesdays - Mens’ Basketball -

7:30–10 p.m.

Thursdays - Adult Volleyball -

7:30 – 10 p.m.

These programs are open to residents of the Inc. Village of Garden City who have graduated high school OR adults who can show proof of graduating Garden City high school (diploma, student ID card). A picture ID is required to sign in to any program.  For further information, please contact the Recreation Office at 465-4075.

A fee schedule will be place for any resident adult interested in participating in Adult Activities in St. Paul’s Fieldhouse.  The fee schedule is as follows:

10 Play Pass – good for any Fieldhouse sport for 10 visits, $50

5 Play Pass – good for any Fieldhouse sport for 5 visits,  $25

A participant may also “pay as you go” but payment will only be accepted by check or credit card only, NO CASH ACCEPTED. “Pay as you go” prices will be $6.  Passes may be purchased at the fieldhouse when arriving for your sport.

Please note - A resident participant may bring in 1 non- resident guest. This rule will be strictly enforced.  These guest must arrive and leave with the resident.  There are no passes for non- residents.  The daily fee for the non-resident guest is $8.

To purchase one of the passes, please fill out the attached application and mail to or visit the Recreation Office at 108 Rockaway Ave. You will also be able to purchase a pass from our St. Paul’s staff.  All payments must be made by either a check made payable to the “Inc. Village of Garden City” or credit card only, no cash will be accepted.

St. Paul’s Fieldhouse

Adult Pickleball Program

Pickleball began again in St. Paul’s Fieldhouse on Tuesday, September 17.  This program is open to Garden City residents only, Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:30 to noon.

Each session will consist of open play with everyone attending round robining in to play.  If you attend the first session you must pay again to stay for the second session.  There will be no reserving of

courts for individual play.  A monitor will be available for any person wishing to learn the game.  The fee schedule to attend is as follows:

10 Play Pass – good for any Fieldhouse sport for 10 visits, $50

5 Play Pass – good for any Fieldhouse sport for 5 visits,  $25

A participant may also “pay as you go”. “Pay as you go” prices will be $6.

To purchase one of the passes, please visit the Recreation Office at 108 Rockaway Ave. You will also be able to purchase a pass from our St. Paul’s staff at the time of attendance.  Check or credit card payment is preferred.

Kids Pickleball Program at St. Paul’s

GC Rec is announcing a Pickleball program for the kids from March 4 through May 1.  It will be 90 minutes of play on all four courts in the field house with a basic intro to the game and rules. We will provide the equipment, and the cost is $100 for 8 sessions.  We will need a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 24 sign ups to run the program per day.

Indoor Track Hours at Cluett Hall

Mondays: 1 p.m.–8 p.m.

Tuesdays: 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and  5 p.m.–9 p.m.

Wednesdays: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; 1 p.m.–

4 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Thursdays: 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and

1 p.m.–8 p.m.

Fridays: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; 2 p.m.–4 p.m. and 5 p.m.–8 p.m.

Saturdays: 1 p.m.–5 p.m.

*Walk at your own risk. Hours are subject to change. Please do not open the windows on the track.

The Upcycle

Acadamy

Fashion Summer Camp

www.FutureFashionStars.com

Color Illustration - Flat Sketching

Silhouette / Shape / Proportion

Sustainability - Trend Spotting DesignUpcycling - Styling & More!  Look Book

Photoshoot & Fashion Show on the last day of camp!! Keep the designs you create. All apparel and upcycle materials provided.

Garden City Recreation Center - The Cottages, Weekly Monday–Friday, 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.,

July 7 – 11: Behind the Seams - Intro to Fashion

July 14 – 18: Love Story - Pastel and Pretty

July 21 – 25: Pop Star - Stage Worthy

Style

July 28 – August 1: The Good Vibe Club - Sweats with Graphic Messaging & Sun Bleached Denim

AGE 8 - 11 // FEE: $395 per week

2025 Men’s Spring Softball League

Team applications are now online at: www.gardencityrecreation.org, or stop by the Recreation office for forms: 108 rockaway avenue

• Rosters and fees are due by Tuesday, April 1

• The league will begin play the

week of April 20

• Fees– $650 for 8 game season plus playoffs for eligible teams

• Space is limited and teams must meet eligibility requirements

For more info, please contact the Recreation Department at 516 465-4075

Pioneer Sports Volleyball Clinic

Volleyball Clinic: Tuesdays, March 4 to April 8, 6:30–7:30 p.m. This program is a learn and play clinic for grades 3-5 at The St. Paul’s Fieldhouse. The cost of the program is $150 per child.

Stay Up to Date On All Things Recreation!

Follow our new Instagram and Facebook “GardenCityRecreation” for all Recreation content! Any questions regarding programs or facilities can be directed to our new Recreation email, GCRec@gardencityny.net .

Family Fun Times on Sundays

St. Paul’s Field House will be open for “Family Fun” for Village of Garden City families. This open time provides the opportunity for families to enjoy various gym activities in an indoor environment.   The gym will be available for use from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on all below dates.

This time is designated for family time only.   No organized practices or workouts will be allowed.   Although there will be staff to monitor activity, this is not a drop off program.   We ask that all elementary and middle school aged children must be accompanied by an adult/guardian.   For the safety of our users, sports involving paddle, stick, or bat equipment will not be allowed.

Garden City Recreation Children’s Tennis Lessons, Winter 2024–25

The Garden City Department of Recreation and Parks is pleased to announce the start of the WINTER children’s tennis program. Registration is ongoing and classes begin on Monday, January 13. All classes are held at the Community Park indoor tennis center and are available to Garden City residents’ ages 4 through 16 years old. How to register:

• In person at the Recreation Office (108 Rockaway Ave). The recreation office is open M – F from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can download a registration form at our website: gardencityrecreation.org.

• By Mail: Mail in your registration form and check to the Recreation Office.

• Register online at www.gcreconline.gardencityny.net .You need a password to register online.  If you do not have a password please go to the Recreation office, with proof of residency, to receive one.

If paying by check, please make check payable to Inc. Village of Garden City

If paying by credit card please use: Mastercard, Visa or Discover. We do not accept American Express at this time. For more information, call the Recreation Office at 516 465-4075

***Non-resident children who attend Garden City Public Schools can register for tennis lessons beginning December 11.   Registration must be done by mail or in person at the Recreation Office. Those who would like to register for our tennis program must prove they attend one of the Garden City Public Schools.  Proof must accompany registration.  An additional $50 fee will pertain to anyone in this category.  Make checks payable to the “Inc. Village of Garden City”

USA

Sport

Group and Pulse Sports are Gearing Up for Summer!

USA Sports Group, a longtime partner of the Recreation and Parks Department of the Village of Garden City, will be running Summer Camps from children ages 5–12.  It will be a multi-sport program with an adapted curriculum running from June through August.  For more information, please go to Pulsecamps.com

Attention: Tennis Players

Beat the winter DOLDRUMS and get some exercise while having fun!

Prime tennis court time is available: all days and all times.

Get ready for your spring and summer leagues with a contract for the remaining weeks of the indoor season.

Daily reservation times are also available!

We have Women’s League openings! Looking for 2.5 to 3.0 players for our women’s Monday doubles league: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Please call the Recreation office to book a seasonal court or for more information: 516 465-4075

For daily reservations, call the Tennis Center Office: 516 483-2525

Chess Wizards Spring Session

Garden City Recreation and Parks has again partnered with the very popular “Chess Wizards” to offer after school programs for Garden City children ages 6 through 12 who want to learn the game of chess!

Chess Wizards is a fun way to have kids experience the excitement of chess. Kids will play in mini tournaments, have interactive lessons with chess pros and play cool chess variants like bug house. It is proven that chess enhances cognitive development in children, improves both verbal and mathematical skills, and increases all levels of academic performance! Playing chess stimulates the mind and helps children strengthen skills such as focusing, visualizing goals, abstract thinking, and forming concrete opinions.

Instructors (who are called “Wizards”) provide all the materials necessary for your child to participate in the class and no additional purchase is required to attend. All students will receive a trophy, puzzle folder and wizards t-shirt. Come join the fun!!!

This program is a 10-week session. Class will be held on Tuesday’s from 4 to 5 p.m. in St. Paul’s Center (108 Rockaway Avenue) beginning April 1. To register, please visit www.chesswizards.com.

A packed house at Hoops for Hope

Once again, teamwork made Hoops for Hope a success! Students and teachers from all of the schools, administrators and community members came to support the Challengers. The game was played in memory of Bobby Menges and supports the I’m Not Done Yet Foundation which works to make sure cancer patients and survivors live their lives the way they deserve. Thank you to everyone who came!

Challenger players, coaches and buddies

Setting up a play.

Varsity Basketball players Brian Nolan, Ryan Campbell and Ryan Kenny help the young Challengers.

Stratford fourth graders support the Challengers.

Jack Sutcliffe’s teammates cheer him on!

Great shot!

Photo credits: Donna Kraus, Shea McGovern, GC Schools)

A packed house at Hoops for Hope

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A reunion for GCMS teacher Robyn Madden and Challenger volunteer Allie Bonomi.

GCHS Varsity Kickline

Fifth grade boys from Stewart cheer for the Challengers.

GC Spirit brought their spirit to the game!

Liz Menges and her energetic volunteer crew.

Event organizer Katherine O’Hanlon and her cousin, GC Spirit cheerleader Elizabeth Episcopia.

The GCHS Cheer team

GCHS JV Kickline

Varsity Kickline team celebrates 2025 Senior Day

On Friday, February 7, the Garden City Varsity Kickline team celebrated Senior Day in conjunction with Varsity Cheer and Varsity Basketball.  The energy in the crowd was electric as the boys were playing Sewanhaka for the conference championship (spoiler alert-they won!).  The gym was adorned with individual action banners for each Kickline, Cheer and Basketball senior—30 in all! The event started with a ceremony before the game honoring the senior kickline girls and their parents whereby the juniors presented the senior girls with a rose.  The seniors choregraphed and performed an epic 4-minute halftime routine which once again entertained the crowds with high kicks, precision pom sequences and stellar dancing. Fun fact: every performance by GCVK is a completely new routine and the team often only has two or three practices to perfect it

Seniors from Kickline, Cheer and Basketball , along with their parents, celebrated Senior Day together!

Amelia Graser receiving her rose at the Senior Ceremony.

The entire GCVK team with coach Elena.

Morgan Myers accompanied by her parents for the presentation ceremony.

Seniors (left to right) Maria-Isabella Ucinski, Silvana Newcomb, Amelia Graser, Riley McNaboe, Morgan Myers, Eva LoPiano, Oliva Giordano, Gianna Fodera, Devlin Abbate, Liv Sioukas, Gracie Krawiec, Lola Imperiale, Emma Carey, Giana DeVito, Mia Johnston, Roisin Pfaff, and Julia Melendez.

Varsity Kickline team celebrates 2025 Senior Day

Senior Kickliners and their parents celebrated together!

before gametime. And impressively, all routines are completely student choreographed!

Senior captains Roisin Pfaff,  Riley McNaboe, Lola Imperiale, Giana DeVito, and Emma Carey  were amazing leaders of the team for both the fall and winter seasons. The remaining seniors making up this talented team are: Devlin Abbate, Gianna Fodera, Olivia Giordano, Amelia Graser, Mia Johnston, Gracie Krawiec, Eva LoPiano, Julia Melendez, Morgan Myers, Silvana Newcomb, Olivia (Liv) Sioukas, and Maria Isabella Ucinski.

As is tradition, following the halftime show, the team and parents celebrated in the fully decorated cafeteria with a delicious catered meal and personalized desserts.  The underclassmen presented dedication

posters to the seniors along with a gift basket chock full of college items fitting the creative theme, “(Get Ready with Me) GRWM Dorm Edition”   The seniors presented their mothers with a single rose in appreciation of all their hard work.

Coach Elena DiChiara, a GCVK alum herself,  gave a heartfelt speech.

With friendships to last a lifetime, these seniors have shared the joy and celebration of amazing performances, bonding experiences, hype song warm-ups,  and cherished events throughout their years at Garden City High School.  It was a truly memorable event celebrating this exceptionally talented group of seniors.  Best wishes for future success for the seventeen seniors as they move onto college next year.   Go Trojans!

courtesy Ashley Medici; Medici Photography

One last post-performance senior hug!

Captains Roisin Pfaff, Giana DeVito, Emma Carey, Lola Imperiale, and Riley McNaboe show off their dedication posters.

Seniors front and center in an entertaining halftime performance!

Maria-Isabella Ucinski, Liv Sioukas, and Silvana Newcomb ready for the ceremony.

Former Coach Natalie Ciminera and former Stratford teacher, Mrs. Dowden came to support the team. Mrs. Dowden, a former GCVK mom herself, pictured with three of her former fifth grade students, Roisin, Giana, and Riley.

Epic split finale!

Photos

Town offers safe boating classes in March

Boating season may be several months away, but with a New York State law now in effect that requires all operators to be certified in safe boating, Supervisor Don Clavin and the Hempstead Town Board are now offering safety certification classes. As boating is one of Hempstead Town’s most enjoyable pastimes, Supervisor Clavin and Town Board colleagues want to ensure that all residents remain safe and prepared while setting sail.

The Town’s Bay Constables will lead a Boater Safety Course for adults (ages 18 years and older) in two sessions –Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – at the Department of Conservation and Waterways (1401 Lido Boulevard, Point Lookout). Participants must attend both sessions to receive their boating safety certificate.

“Whether you’re a seasoned captain or just starting to learn, obtaining a

boater safety certification is the law of the sea in 2025,” said Supervisor Clavin. “We in America’s largest township want to ensure that all local mariners practice safe boating, and we encourage them to sign up for the Town’s upcoming safe boating course.”

The New York State law governing these new boating safety requirements is known as Brianna’s Law, named after 11-year-old Long Island resident Brianna Lieneck, who was killed in a boating accident in 2005.

Additional safe boating courses for youth and adults will be announced in the near future. To register for an upcoming Boater Safety Class, please call the Bay Constables at (516) 897-4100.

Residents who are already certified but cannot locate their card can obtain new documentation at https://www.ilostmycard.com/records?state_cd=NY&cert_ type=Boating

Are you a professional?

Our Professional Guide is sure to bring results. Call 516-294-8900 for rates and information.

Garden City Varsity Gymnastics finishes 2024–25 season

Congratulations to the Garden City Varsity Gymnastics team on their 2024–2025 season and congratulations to the All County and All Conference Winners!!

All County Winners:

• Ava Klein (competed in state qualifier)

• Keegan Laufer

• Emerson Lewis

All Conference Winners:

• Muireann O’Brien

• Laura Kahn

• Olivia Myers

• Riya Motwani

• Julia Pino

A special thank you and congratulations to senior and team captain Abigail Jesberger, we will miss you! Thank you Coach Wilkinson and Coach Soper for an amazing season!

Senior and team captain Abigail Jesberger at the senior meet.

2024–25 Varsity Gymnastics team

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Mary Krener

Fortune Heaney Lisa Heaney

Lynn Puccio Cheryl Trimboli Scott Wallace

Arthur Anderson Jessica Brantuk Ann Collins

Claudia Galvin Rene Blair

Christine Cudahy Manager

Linda Mulrooney Eileen O’Hara Diane Piscopo

Daureen Hausser

Stephanie Marchan Scan here

Aimee Escher

Patrick Gibbons

Matthew Minardi

Kathy Lucchesi Susan MacDonald

Brigid Marmorowski

Patricia Dickson

Kathleen Lichtman

Rockville

Rockville

Marianne Imperial

Alesya Busel